The best description of the effect of the repetition of the word “I” throughout Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” is: It reinforces the sense of personal importance the issue has for Douglass.

Explanation:

• Douglass uses “I” repeatedly to emphasize his personal connection to the subject and to highlight how deeply the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom while slavery persists affects him.
• This repetition draws attention to his perspective as a formerly enslaved person and a passionate advocate for abolition.
• Rather than seeming self-involved, the repeated “I” serves to underscore the emotional weight and urgency of his argument, making the speech more powerful and personal.

If you want, I can provide examples from the text or further analysis!