Question

fredrick douglass on the declaration of independence
fredrick douglass
1 on july 5, 1852, douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence, held at rochester’s corinthian hall. it was blistering oratory, in which the speaker told his audience, “this fourth of july is yours, not mine. you may rejoice, i must mourn.” and he asked them, “do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to - day?”
2 within the now - famous address is what historian philip s. foner has called “probably the most moving passage in all of douglass’ speeches.”
3 what, to the american slave, is your 4th of july? i answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. to him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants, brass - fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks -
based on douglas’s stance of the signing of the declaration of independence, what is the best thesis statement for a student writing an essay about his take on freedom?
a frederick douglass mocks the celebration of july 4th due to the hypocrisy that exists among the american people
b frederick douglass despises july 4th because it doesn’t give justice to him or his people
c frederick douglass admires the date of july 4th because it grants independence for all individuals
d frederick douglass praises the forefathers for signing the declaration due to the freedom it gives the citizens

Explanation:

The text shows Douglass views July 4th as a hypocritical celebration: white Americans rejoice in freedom, but enslaved people face ongoing injustice. Option A focuses on mockery of the celebration due to this hypocrisy, which aligns with his stance. Option B overstates "despises" and is less precise than the hypocrisy framing. Options C and D contradict his critical view, as he does not admire the day's freedom for all or praise the forefathers for granting universal freedom.

Answer:

A. Frederick Douglass mocks the celebration of July 4th due to the hypocrisy that exists among the American people