In his novel "The Confessions of Nat Turner," author William Styron uses the occasion of Independence Day for a striking moment of rebellion. This choice symbolizes irony, as the day celebrates freedom and independence, yet it is also marked by the oppression faced by enslaved individuals like Nat Turner. Styron highlights the contrast between the nation's ideals and the reality of slavery, underscoring the deep-seated hypocrisy in American society at that time.

The quotation reveals Turner's awareness of this irony, making his uprising on such a significant date even more poignant. The juxtaposition of a day celebrating liberty against the backdrop of a brutal system of bondage serves to challenge readers’ perceptions of freedom and the struggles for equality. Styron's use of this deliberate choice emphasizes the complexities of the fight for justice and the painful history of America.