Declaration of sentiments, American Anti-Slavery Society, 1833

1. What is the author arguing?
The author William Loyd Garrison argues for the freedom of slaves using " moral, legal, and biblical terms." He argues that the slaves shall be emanicipated immediatelly and that the owners be given no compensation for their release. If anyone should receive compensation it would be the emancipated slaves themselves. "We also maintain that these are, at present time, the highest obligations resting upon the people of free states remove slavery by moral and political action, as prescribed in the Constitution of the United States."

2. How does the author appeal to

The author uses both logic and ethos when stating "at present time at least one-sixth part of our countrymen are recognized by law, and treated by their fellow beings , as brute beasts; are plundered daily on the fruits of their toil without redress; really enjoy no constitutional not legal protection from licentious and murderous outrages upon their persons..." also when he states that "...man cannot hold property in man: Because slavery is a crime, and therefore not and article to be sold." when justifying why no slave owner should receive compensastion.

The quote I used in question one appeal to the emotional quality of the readers of this documents in the free states as well as logically using the Constitution of our Country as reason enough to abolish slavery.

Garrison uses pathos when he states " Our fathers were never slaves-never bought and sold like cattle-never shut out from the light of knowledge and religion- never subjected to the lash of brutal taskmasters."

Garrison's character is portrayed as a very moral man. He once again appeals to ethos when he writes; "in view of the civil and religious privileges of this nation, the guilt of its opression is unequalled by any other on the face of the earth; and, therefore, that it is bound to repent instantly, to undo the heavy burdons, and to let the oppressed go free..."

3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?

This was a time when our Nation was split between free states and slave states. The document is arguing for all to be free. The arguments used to condemn slavery by the author are the same arguments in which southern preachers used to justify slavery. The American Anti-Slavery Society in its first five years had a quarter of a million members. During this time women were begining to voice their opinions and petitioning for what they believed to be moral and just. This became a time for great debate not only amongst political figures and countries, but amongst countrymen and women alike.

4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?

I found Garrison's argument convincing. His strong emotional and moral plea gave enough reason to prove that slavery infringes on the rights of American Citizens enslaved. He provided sound arguments that slavery is inhumane, and unjust. His passion and strong believes are very evident and makes his argument stronger.
logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?