Douglass's refusal to reply to Covey highlights the rhetorical strategy of pathos , using silence as a metaphor for the oppression experienced by enslaved individuals. This moment evokes empathy from the reader and illustrates the moral complexities surrounding resistance to oppression. While ethos is also present, the emotional weight of silence serves as the primary focus in this context. ;
Douglass's refusal to answer Covey highlights the rhetorical strategy of pathos, using silence to symbolize oppression and evoke empathy from readers. This moment underscores the emotional weight of his defiance against dehumanization. While moral fortitude (ethos) is present, the emphasis lies on the emotional resonance of silence as a metaphor for the struggles of enslaved individuals.
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