Douglas' speech lends itself particularly to Aristotlean appeals analysis. He takes an invitation from the people of Rochester to speak at their Independence Day festivities and uses it to chastise Americans for the their audacious celebration of freedom while simultaneously denying freedom to others. In fact, that premise serves as his enthymeme -- Americans are hypocritical for celebrating independence while keeping another race enslaved.

To fulfill its rhetorical function, this speech must answer some basic questions:

1. Won't this type of verbal attack hinder rather than help the abolitionist cause?
2. Are slaves "men" (human)?
3. Do all men inherently deserve freedom?
4. Is slavery a legitimate institution?