Mary Ann Shadd Cary Techniques

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Mary Ann Shadd Cary was an African American newspaper publisher, educator, lawyer and abolitionist. She wrote “Why Establish This Paper?” that appeared in the second issue of the Provincial Freeman. After reading the excerpt from it, I was able to identify and analyze a few of techniques Cary used while writing the paper. The first technique that I noticed was personification. This is a figure of speech in which inanimate objects are given human qualities. Within the first paragraph, it states: “As the great country grows, we grow with it; as it improves and progresses, we are carried forward on the bosom of its onward tide.” You can see the personification that is used in the statement by the human trait that’s used, the bosom, on a non-living object, which is the country. This technique makes the paper better because by associating non-living objects with human qualities, it allows people to relate to the statement being proposed. This may make it easier to understand what is being said as well. Additionally, I saw two other techniques that go well together. They are evoking emotion and the use of persuasion. In the second paragraph it reads: “Besides, it is due to our Constitution and Government, that we should train ourselves as to fit us for the discharge of the duties of freeman, in full.” While you are reading this sentence, it is hard not to feel as though the author is correct. By the seriousness of her tone, and the logic of the sentence, it persuades me to believe in Cary’s opinion that she expresses. In the paper they also mention: “They either pass us by, in cold contempt, ignore us altogether, keep themselves or their readers, or both ignorant of what Canada is.” In this sentence, she is conjuring negativity and gives me a critical point of view while reading this passage. But it also makes it easier for
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