FREDERICK DOUGLASS LITERARY DEVICES & TERMS

PERSUASIVE APPEALS PATHOS- THE APPEAL TO EMOTION LOGOS- THE APPEAL TO LOGIC ETHOS- THE APEAL TO CREDIBILITY OR ONE’S CHARACTER

IMAGERY Definition: words or phrases that appeal to one of the five senses. EXAMPLE: The marshmellowy clouds floated lazily across the crystal blue Sky as the blue birds danced high above.

IRONY Irony: The contrast between expectation and reality. Three types: Verbal Irony: When what is said opposite what is meant includes sarcasm and double-word play. Situational Irony: When what happens is opposite what is expected. Dramatic Irony: When reader or audience knows something important that a character does not know. (Freaky Friday…) Also creates tension and/or humor

REPETITION DEFINTION: is an instance of using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage- focusing on a point EXAMPLE: I'm nobody! Who are You? By. Emily Dickinson I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too? Then there's a pair of us-don't tell! They'd banish us you know.

DENOTATION DEFINTION: the literal dictionary definition of a particular word. SENTENCE: I went to the park with my dog. Dog in the sentence means- a domesticated carnivorous mammal typically kept as a pet

CONNOTATION DEFINITION: the implied meaning and the cultural or emotional suggestions of the word SENTENCE: Not all men are dogs. Dog in this sentence means- a person regarded as unpleasant, contemptible, or wicked

SLAVE NARRATIVE  First appeared in the United States around 1703, but most were published during the era of abolitionism, from 1831 to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Slave narrative is the testimonial or letter of authenticity generally written by a white editor or abolitionist friend of the narrator.  In order to be published, black authors had to be endorsed by whites who could testify to their credibility.

 The narrative generally includes vague references to the narrator's parents, descriptions of a cruel master or overseer, descriptions of violent abuse, and accounts of slaves being sold on the auction block. Other distinguishing characteristics are a simple, straightforward style; vivid characters; and striking dramatic incidents.  A primary goal of the slave narratives was to gain the sympathy of white readers and gain support for the abolitionist movement.

What do you notice about this man’s facial expression, his dress, and his posture? Who or what do you think he is he looking at? What do you think he is he thinking about? (If you were to add a thought bubble above his head, what would it say?) What else would you like to know about the image?