Short Answer 
Frederick Douglass uses juxtaposition in his speech to highlight the contrasting experiences of freedom and enslavement, while Abraham Lincoln employs allusion in his address to promote national unity amidst division. Their differing rhetorical strategies reflect their unique purposes and audiences, with Douglass illustrating personal sorrow and Lincoln invoking shared historical narratives for reconciliation.
Step 1: Understanding Juxtaposition in Douglass’s Speech
In his speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, Frederick Douglass utilizes the rhetorical device of juxtaposition to emphasize the contrasting experiences of freedom and enslavement. He contrasts the happiness of his white audience celebrating independence with the sorrow of enslaved individuals mourning their lack of freedom. This is portrayed through his poignant statement, “This Fourth [of] July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn,” which starkly illustrates the divide in American experiences.
Step 2: Analyzing Allusion in Lincoln’s Address
In Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, he employs allusion as a rhetorical device to enhance his message about national unity amidst division. By referencing the Bible and the ongoing Civil War, Lincoln draws parallels between the nation’s struggles and larger historical contexts. This not only reinforces his argument for unity but also connects the shared humanity of all Americans during a time of conflict, providing a sense of hope and reconciliation.
Step 3: Comparing Rhetorical Approaches
Though both Douglass and Lincoln address societal injustices, their rhetorical strategies differ based on their specific purposes and audiences. Douglass focuses on illustrating the gap in experiences through juxtaposition, while Lincoln employs allusion to unify Americans under a common historical narrative. This comparison highlights the distinct ways each speaker tackles the issue of division in society, ultimately conveying powerful messages about freedom and justice.