Question

read the excerpt from \what to the slave is the fourth of july?\
are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that declaration of independence, extended to us?
how does this rhetorical question contribute to the passage’s central idea?
a it encourages black people to discuss the principles set forth in the declaration of independence.
b it reinforces the idea that the rights given to others are not extended to black people.
c it reveals that douglass has an in - depth knowledge of the declaration of independence.
d it gives the rest of the speech importance by referring to a famous historical document.

Explanation:

The question is about the rhetorical question in "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" and its contribution to the central idea. The central idea relates to the lack of extension of rights (from Declaration of Independence) to Black people. The option "It reinforces the idea that the rights given to others are not extended to Black people" aligns with this. The other options: first encourages discussion (not the focus), second reveals Douglass' knowledge (not the rhetorical question's role), fourth gives importance via historical doc (not the case here).

Answer:

It reinforces the idea that the rights given to others are not extended to Black people.