The next passage demonstrates that the quality of selflessness, whereby the signers of the Declaration of Independence placed the interests of their country above their own, is noble indeed. He says, "This is not the highest form of human excellence," thereby allowing that there could be virtues that rise above patriotism but still insisting that this particular virtue is rare and commendable. The phrase "ought to command respect" really drives this view home that such selflessness deserves the respect of others. The speaker then further emphasizes the idea of sacrifice when he says that one who can "intelligently lay down his life for his country" possesses a character that "it is not in human nature to despise." What this suggests is that, at the level where a man acts out bravery and commitment to a cause, the status in society of that individual is raised to the level of one worthy of honor and respect. What this text does, above all, is appeal to the patriotic virtue of self-sacrifice for the greater good.

In the following passage, he addresses his audience as his "Fellow Citizens," creating an atmosphere of great rapport, thus defining them by identity. He begins by showing respect to the "fathers of this republic" because the signers of the Declaration of Independence were brave and great. The phrase "great enough to give fame to a great age" infers that they gained not only personal fame but also gave much to the turning point of an age. He makes it a point to mention that it is rare for a nation to have such a number of "truly great men" together, which gives precedence over the normalcy of such a historical context. He readily admits that his own view of these figures is "not, certainly, the most favorable" and thus hints at a critical stance that may arise from his experiences or views on their actions. He then concludes, though, by saying he cannot consider their "great deeds" with anything other than admiration, showing that despite whatever critiques he may have, he realizes the deep impact their contributions had in founding the nation. This passage balances respect with critical awareness in appreciating historical figures.

Here, the speaker provides an image of marine imagery that reflects urgency and risk for the nation's state. He mentions "dark and threatening clouds" and "heavy billows, like mountains," which portend difficulties and barriers that might undermine the country's stability. "Huge forms of flinty rocks" speaks to the possible dangers should the country be led off course from its founding precepts. He further drives this point home with the phrase "that bolt drawn, that chain broken, and all is lost," indicating that to abandon these principles would prove disastrous. He then begs the audience to "cling to this day—cling to it, and to its principles," where he uses steadfastness and commitment, comparing the resolve of the people to a "storm-tossed mariner" desperately reaching for any hold on safety during a perilous night at sea. This metaphor shows that there is a dire need for unity and determination in surmounting the impending turbulent task.

Here, the speaker provides an image of marine imagery that reflects urgency and risk for the nation's state. He mentions "dark and threatening clouds" and "heavy billows, like mountains," which portend difficulties and barriers that might undermine the country's stability. "Huge forms of flinty rocks" speaks to the possible dangers should the country be led off course from its founding precepts. He further drives this point home with the phrase "that bolt drawn, that chain broken, and all is lost," indicating that to abandon these principles would prove disastrous. He then begs the audience to "cling to this day—cling to it, and to its principles," where he uses steadfastness and commitment, comparing the resolve of the people to a "storm-tossed mariner" desperately reaching for any hold on safety during a perilous night at sea. This metaphor shows that there is a dire need for unity and determination in surmounting the impending turbulent task.

In this passage, he brings into light the pride, patriotism, and sense of gratitude, stating that it is for these reasons that such a day of commemorations regarding their nation's historical backdrop would be a motive for celebration and memory. He refers to the Declaration of Independence as "the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation's destiny," underlining the fundamental role this single document played in shaping the future of the nation. The "ring-bolt" metaphor follows the view that the Declaration serves as an anchor, one that is necessary in nature and principle to the country's identity and values. When he says, "the principles contained in that instrument are saving principles," he declares those ideas to be fundamental to the survival and growth of the nation. The call to "stand by those principles" is, therefore, a serious appeal to stand by freedom and justice, being true to them under all circumstances and against all opposition. This seriousness of the commitment is underlined with "at whatever cost," implying that such a defense could entail considerable sacrifice. This is a potent reminder of a greater good: responsibilities attendant on citizenship and the duty to nurture the ideals on which the nation was built.

In the selected passage, the speaker says, "Oppression makes a wise man mad," which can be taken to mean that to be consistently oppressed-not treated fairly-will drive even the most sensible person into frustration or anger. He calls the audience's "fathers" wise men; thus, their intelligence and astuteness could discern that a wrong was being committed against them. The term "restive" suggests a growing impatience and chafing under their oppression, underscoring their emotional reaction to such injustice at the hands of their masters. When he says they were "victims of grievous wrongs," he makes plain just how bad they suffered, grievously enough that such injustices could not conceivably be righted under the legal and political strictures of colonialism. The sentence "With brave men there is always a remedy for oppression" insinuates that where there is courage, something will be done about it, and it therefore signals some sort of turning point in their struggle. The last sentence shows that the idea of complete separation from British rule was born out of this oppression, signaling the birth of a revolutionary idea that would lead to independence. This is a passage epitomizing the transformation of frustration to a proactive movement for freedom.

In this text, he referred to July 2, 1776, when the Continental Congress passed an important decision that was to become the fate of the nation afterward. He noted that such a decision was controversial and did not find favor with people who loved comfort and stability more than the concept of freedom by noting the "dismay of the lovers of ease, and the worshipers of property.". The sentence "clothed that dreadful idea with all the authority of national sanction" would seem to invoke a sense of independence as a bold but terrifying concept, yet imbued with the weighty legitimacy of official ratification. By acknowledging that the resolutions today lack the same degree of "transparency," he suggests a sense of lucidity or determination in the choice of Congress that transcends those in comparison to more contemporary declarations, which perhaps are not as forthright or significant. He offers to read the resolution to remind his audience of what it presumes to be the foundational values of their nation, reinforcing the important connection that historical moment has with their present circumstances.

In the passage, the speaker establishes a contrast between the beliefs of their ancestors and those beliefs that do exist then concerning government. He said that these "fathers" did not consider government as infallible nor its actions as beyond question. On the contrary, these individuals felt empowered to challenge the British government regarding certain laws and policies they had defined as unjust. The speaker charged that he had indeed, by using terms such as "unjust, unreasonable, and oppressive," shown strong feelings of discontent to fuel the call for independence. He emphasized how ready they were to resist what was felt to be unfair treatment, giving reasons why it was not only proper but also necessary to stand up against such measures. He then identifies himself with their position when he declares his mind on those matters as being the same as theirs, which further cements him with the audience and, most importantly, their common legacy of resistance. The latter thus lays a potential foundation for discussing the necessity to challenge the authorities, to stand up and speak in support of justice.

In the following excerpt, he addresses the audience as "Fellow-citizens," which attaches a sense of unity to them and a shared identity. He does not go into great detail explaining the historical significance of the day; thus, it suggests that he wants to make his message simple. He mentions a momentous occasion 76 years in the past when citizens of America were British subjects, naming their colony status. The inclusion of "the style and title of your 'sovereign people'" is to constitute that the notion of American independence and self-governance had not been obtained. The phrase "under the British Crown" underlines the absence of autonomy in those times. Also, while saying, "your fathers esteemed the English Government as the home government," he presents early Americans as holding loyalty and attachment to England as their "fatherland." This sets up another argument about the American identity and its journey toward independence.

In this passage, the speaker identifies that Frederick Douglass intelligently addressed an audience that is closely tied to religion. Douglass succeeds in integrating America with religious ideas integration that few people would usually think of. Besides arousing sentiment within listeners of his speech, this tactic questions the belief system of those who opposed him to take an intellectual step back and feel the moral imperative of such a situation. Weaving these complex ideas together, Douglass showed that he was able not only to spur change but also make people think deeply; this again constitutes a strategic use of rhetoric in appealing to an audience.

Through this speech, he addresses the audience, showing them how very different it is from where he presently stands and where he was on the slave plantation from which he escaped. He speaks to them about the great distance and the numerous obstacles he had experienced in moving from such a hard place to where he is presently. He was surprised and thankful to stand in front of the audience today, reflecting that it is amazing how such hardships can be overcome. He shared his journey from painful experiences to a hopeful present.