AP lang Midterm
Rhetoric & Satire
What is rhetoric?
Writing/speaking style that is used as a form of communication to persuade, motivate, and inform an audience on a certain matter.
What are the 3 core rhetorical appeals identified by Aristotle?
Ethos (credibility), Pathos (emotion), Logos (logic)
What is the primary purpose of satire?
The use of humor, sarcasm, irony, and exaggeration to get a point across
Used often to critique societal issues, politics, or human activities
Difference between satire and parody
Satire
Range from lighthearted critique to biting criticism
Used to show others the importance of different kind of issues using humor
Can be informational
Parody
Just lighthearted and used to make jokes/mock certain people, movies, or shows.
How does Aristotle define rhetoric?
The ability to observe the available means of persuasion in any situation
Why is rhetoric significant in communication?
It enhances persuasion, critical thinking, and social impact
What type of satire is described as “gentle, witty, and humorous”?
Horatian Satire
Which of the following is an example of Juvenalian satire?
“A modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift
Which of the following is Not a key feature of satire?
Sympathy
Which form of humor is often associated with irony in satire?
Presenting the opposite of what one expects
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and American Slave
Chapter 1
What does Douglass suggest is the reason why his father is most likely his master, Anthony?
Douglass’s mother was a slave on the plantation
How does Douglass describe the relationship between the master’s wife and the illegitimate children of the slaveholder?
The master’s wife is resentful of the children
What does Douglass suggest is the reason why the master’s wife sells the illegitimate children of the slaveholder
To appease the master’s wife jealousy
Why does Douglass have no knowledge of his birth date?
Like the majority of other slaves, none of them have written documents records of when they were born
What kind of overseer is Mr. Plummer?
He’s a cruel monster and a drunkard. He uses bad language and gives very harsh punishments to the slaves
What event does Douglass connect with his introduction to the horrors of slavery?
Douglass sees Aunt Hester getting whipped brutally. First time he’s seen such a harsh punishment towards someone
Chapter 2
What does Douglass suggest is the true meaning behind the slaves’ songs?
The songs are a form of rebellion and a cry for freedom
What is the significance of being asked to run an errand to the Great House Farm for a slave?
It is a sign of trust and respect from the overseer
Why do the slaves consider Mr. Hopkins to be a good overseer?
Although he whips/beats, he never finds enjoyment doing it. He doesn’t like doing what he does but has to for his job
Chapter 3
What is the primary purpose of the sloop Captain Auld commands
To carry supplies and goods to and from the plantation
How does the Colonel’s treatment of Old Barney and Young Barney demonstrate his cruelty?
He holds them responsible for issues beyond their control and punishes them without a fair trial
What is the significance of the allusion to Job in the text
It highlights the Colonel’s immense wealth and power
How does Colonel keep the slaves from stealing fruit from his garden?
He puts tar around the fence of the garden. If he catches any of the slaves with a speck of tar on them they will get punished for attempting to steal fruit
What is the primary reason the slaves refrain from criticizing their masters?
If they do behind their backs and the masters find out, they will be sld and shipped away or punished. Slaves usually spoke highly of their masters or didn’t say anything at all.
Chapter 4
What is Mr. Gore’s attitude towards slaves?
He is cruel and without a conscience
How does Mr. Gore believe in maintaining control over the slaves?
By using the whip instead of words
Why does Mr. Gore believe it was necessary to kill Demby
Demby had become unmanageable
How is Mr. Gore perceived in the white community despite being a murderer?
He gains high esteem and respect
Which individual killed a slave with a hatchet and bragged about it?
Mr. Lanman
How did Mrs. Hicks cause the death of Douglass’s cousin?
She caused it with a stick
What was the coroner’s ruling regarding the death caused by Mrs. Hicks?
It was declared an act of murder
What was the fate of Mr. Bondly after killing the old man?
He was never held accountable
Chapter 5
What task does Douglass do on Colonel Lloyd’s plantation?
He tends the cows
Why is Douglass happy about going to Baltimore?
He will get to wear trousers
What is Douglass’s impression of Baltimore compared to the Lloyd plantation?
He thinks Baltimore is better
Who is the first white person to show Frederick kindness?
Sophia Auld
From when does Frederick date his belief that he would not always be a slave?
From his earliest recollection
Chapter 6
Why is Sophia Auly uncomfortable with “crouching servility”?
She thinks it is acceptable for a slave to look her in the face
What does Mrs. Auld teach Douglass?
She teaches him letters and how to read three to four letter words
Who forbade Mrs. Auld to instruct Douglass?
Mr. Auld
Why do slave owners believe that educating slaves is detrimental to keeping them as slaves?
Because it would make the slave rebellious and harder to control
What does Douglass learn about the white man’s ability to keep the black race as slaves?
It depends on the slaves being kept illiterate
According to Douglass, how do the conditions for slaves in the city differ from those in other places?
They have better food and clothes
Why is cruelty towards slaves less commonplace among most white people in the city?
They were concerned about their reputation and felt a sense of shame
Chapter 7
What training does Sophia AUld receive in “irresponsible power,” changing her naturally kind disposition?
She stops teaching Douglass to read and denies him access to reading materials
What moral does Douglass learn from reading about the conversation between the slave and his master in The Columbian Orator
The power of truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder
Chapter 8
Why does Douglass suffer more anxiety than other slaves during the division of the estate?
He has known kindness and dreads belonging to a cruel master
Why does Douglass acknowledge his grandmother as the source of all of his old master’s wealth?
She peopled the plantation with slaves, enabling the master to work his farms
What happens to Douglass’s grandmother that fills him with “unutterable loathing of slaveholders”
She is forced to live alone in the woods because she is too old to work
Why does Douglass regret not trying to escape while living with the Aulds?
It is much more difficult to escape from the country than from the city
Chapter 9
What action by Douglass angers Captain Auld enough to send him to Mr. Covey’s farm?
Douglass deliberately allows Captain Auld’s horse to escape
Why does Douglass willingly go to work on Mr. Covey’s farm despite Covey’s harsh reputation?
He believes he will be fed better there
Chapter 10
Why does Covey whip Douglass almost every week for the first six months he works for him?
Covey whips Douglass because he often makes mistakes
Why do the slaves on the Covey farm continue to do their work even if Mr. Covey is absent?
Covey surprises them, sometimes crawling on his hands and knees
Why does Douglass believe Covey is successful in breaking him and turning him into a brute?
Douglass’s natural elasticity was crushed, His disposition to read departed, and his intellect languished
What do the ships on the Chesapeake represent to Douglass?
Freedom
Who is Sandy Jenkins? What does he give to Douglass to help him prevent any future beatings by Mr. Covey
An older slave with a free wife; a root
Why does Mr. Covey not take Douglass to the Constable to be whipped?
Covey is concerned about his reputation
Why does Douglass think “of all slaveholders with whom I have ever met, religious slaveholders are the worst”?
They are hypocritical in their beliefs, they use religion to justify mistreatment, and religious slaveholders are the most oppressive.
Why are there no arrests when Douglass is assaulted by the white workmen at the shipyard?
White witnesses will not testify
Chapter 11
Why does the privilege of hiring his own time help Douglass?
It enables him to choose his own employment
Why does Douglass believe that more slaves do not try to escape?
Attachment to friends and loved ones
Why does Douglass adopt the motto “Trust no man!” during his escape for freedom?
He fears betrayal
How does the anti-slavery convention in Nantucket change Douglass’ life?
He receives encouragement to speak at anti-slavery meetings
“Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan
Why does Tan open her essay by stating, "I am not a scholar of English or literature," then state in the next paragraph, "I am a writer"? What is the difference? Is she appealing to ethos, logos, or pathos?
Emphasize her personal connection to language rather than a theoretical one
Used Ethos to show that she is someone who understands language in practical, lived terms rather just for academic analysis.
Connects with readers on a more relatable level
What does Tan mean by "different Englishes"?
She means the various englishes she uses in different contexts
Formal English (professional), Simpler English (communication with her mother), and English shaped by her mothers broken patterns of speech.
All of these reflect the adaptability and intimacy of language
How do you understand Tan's relationship with her mother?
Deeply affectionate and shaped by mutual understanding
Tan admires her mother’s intelligence and resilience even with language differences
Recognizes the richness and vividness of her mother’s broken english and evolves as Tan grows older
Shift from embarrassment to pride
How does Tan understand the difference between math and English?
Sees math as precise and with one correct answer
English is subjective and open to interpretation
Associates her initial struggles with English tests with the complexity of language and the creative and personal nature of interpretation, which contrasts with the straightforward logic of math.
How would you state Tan's argument in a sentence or two?
Language is a powerful and valid expression of thought and identity. Challenges societal biases that equate language fluency with intelligence
Advocating for a broader linguistic diversity and impact on personal and cultural identity.
“Ain’t I A Woman” by Sojourner Truth
How does Truth's opening paragraph set the tone for her speech? Is she referring to her audience as "children" likely to antagonize them?
Sets a conversational and assertive tone
Emphasizing her authority to speak on women’s rights and equality
She calls her audience children to establish a maternal/guiding relationship which intended to disarm and connect
Term is considered endearing and respectful, fitting with her role as a moral and spiritual leader.
What is the effect of her repeated question, "Ain't I a woman?" How is this question an appeal to ethos?
Reinforces her argument about strength, resilience, and humanity of women and black women
It is a rhetorical device that challenges societal stereotypes and shows the inconsistency of denying women rights based on gender
It appeals to ethos by asserting her credibility and lived experience as a woman whos endured hardships but still shows strength and dignity
How does Truth use religion in her speech? Does she risk being accused of blasphemy?
While some might see her interpretations as unconventional, she skillfully avoids outright blasphemy by grounding her points in widely accepted Christian principles.
References biblical themes and figures (Creation of woman from man and Jesus being born from a woman)
Her reinterpretation of scripture challenges traditional patriarchal readings but does so within the sanctity of the Bible
She avoids outright blasphemy by grounding her points in widely accepted Christian principles
How would you characterize Truth's presentation of herself in the ending sentence?
Presents herself as confident, commanding, and unapologetic
Leaves lasting impression by emphasizing her moral authority and determination,
Tone is defiant but inspiring, showing her belief in justice and equality
Reinforces the power of her message and her role as a leader in the fight for women’s rights and abolition
“Black Men and Public Spaces” by Brent Staples
What prompted Staples to become aware of the impact of his presence on others?
A woman running away from him at night
Which of the following composers does Staples mention using in his tension-refusing whistling
Beethoven
According to Staples, why are women particularly vulnerable to street violence
The statistics show they are frequent targets
How does Staples describe her feelings after realizing how others perceive him?
Embarrassed and dismayed
What was the response of the jewelry store proprietor when Staples entered?
She brought out a dog
What is the primary theme of “Black Men and Public Space”?
The dangers of stereotyping
What did Staples learn to do in response to being perceived as a threat?
Act with calm and care to reduce fear
Why does Staples mention incidents involving other Black men?
To illustrate the commonality of racial profiling and to highlight how these experiences are not isolated, but rather part of a broader societal issue that affects many individuals in similar ways.