39 pages • 1 hour read
David Walker's Appeal
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Essay Topics
Walker’s Appeal contains messages for both white Americans and African Americans. What does he say to each demographic? How do these messages differ?
Why does Walker rely so heavily on religious arguments to make his points? Is this technique effective? Why, or why not?
Why does Walker wait until the end of the Appeal to address the Declaration of Independence?
Walker’s Appeal was one of the first examples of abolitionist literature, and it caused controversy with both white and African American readers. What is the impact of the Appeal in its influence on the growing abolition movement in the United States?
What does Walker hope to achieve with his Appeal?
How does history play into Walker’s Appeal? Which of his historical arguments do you find particularly powerful?
Walker’s Appeal is divided into four articles. Do you find one to be more persuasive or better argued than the others?
Are there any elements of Walker’s Appeal that remain relevant to contemporary race relations in the United States?
Do you agree with critiques that Walker went “too far” in calling on his Black readers to respond to white oppression with violence? Why, or why not?
What does Walker see as white Americans’ role in ending slavery? What is African American’s role?
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