rhetorical analysis essay declaration of independence

Rhetoric of The Declaration of Independence Essay

The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, prescribed three modes of rhetorical persuasion – ethos, pathos, and logos. An outstanding rhetoric persuasion should have an ethical appeal, an emotional appeal, as well as a logical appeal. In the Declaration of Independence document, and Thomas Jefferson’s account, the founding fathers not only aired grievances, truths, and the denial of liberty, but they also artistically embroidered all the elements of rhetoric persuasion in their assertions. The Declaration of Independence appeals to ethics, emotions, and logic – the three fundamental elements of rhetoric.

The Declaration of Independence’s appeal to ethics is undisputable. In the opening paragraphs of the declaration, there is an ethical appeal for why the colonists needed separation from the colonizer. The first paragraph of the declaration read,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth […] decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation (“The Declaration of Independence”).

In the statement above, Jefferson and the founding fathers were appealing to ethics. It was necessary and essential to have an ethical explanation for that desire to gain support for their need to be independent. The founding fathers needed to explain why they needed to separate as decent respect to the opinions of humankind. In the second paragraph, the declaration continued on the ethical appeal stating that humans bore equal and unalienable rights – “to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (“The Declaration of Independence”).

These statements are moral, ethical, and legal overtones that the audience can associate themselves with. If someone were to ask, “Why is this separation necessary?” The answer would come right from the second paragraph. Jefferson and the founding fathers were more than aware that such a move as declaring independence required an ethical appeal with salient and concrete causes in place of light and transient causes, and they appealed to ethics right at the beginning of the declaration.

Other than appealing to ethics, Jefferson and the founding fathers required the audience to have an emotional attachment to the Declaration of Independence. The audience had to feel the same way as the founding fathers did. In the second paragraph of the declaration document, the drafters appealed that the people had a right to change and abolish a government that had become destructive of the equal and inalienable rights of all humankind. “Humankind is more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to the right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed” (“The Declaration of Independence”).

However, if there is “a long train of abuses and usurpations” (“The Declaration of Independence”), there was a need to reduce the adversities under absolute Despotism, as the people’s right and duty. At the beginning of paragraph 30, the drafters of the declaration called their preceding assertions oppressions. An oppressed person is not a happy person. By making the audience – the colonists – remember their suffering and how patient they had been with the colonizers, Jefferson and the drafters appealed to the audience’s emotions.

The other rhetorical appeal in the Declaration of Independence is that of logic – logos. Other than bearing ethical and emotional overtones, the declaration equally bore logical sentiments. At the end of paragraph two, The Declaration of Independence reads, “To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world” (“The Declaration of Independence”), after which follows a string of grievances against the King of England and the colonizers. The entire draft bears logical appeal and the rationale behind the call for independence. How the founding fathers interwove the causes for independence in the declaration is a representation of logic.

There is evidence of inductive reasoning showing what the colonists required – independence from England – and why that was the only resort. The declaration is also logically appealing because it is not that the colonists have not sought the colonizer’s ear for the grievances they had; they had “In every stage of these Oppressions Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms, but their repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury” (“The Declaration of Independence”). Reason would only dictate that the colonists resort to other measures such as declaring themselves independent from a tyrannical system.

A rhetorical analysis of the Declaration for Independence shows the employment of ethical (ethos), emotional (pathos), and logical (logos) appeals by the drafters. In the statement of their reasons for calling to be independent of the crown, the founding fathers elucidated an ethical appeal. In the statement of their grievances against the King of England, the drafters appealed emotionally to their audience. Lastly, the drafters of the declaration interwove logic into every argument they presented by employing inductive reasoning in the description of the relationship between the colonies and the colonizer and why they formerly needed emancipation from the latter.

“ The Declaration of Independence: The Want, Will, and Hopes of the People . “ Ushistory.org , 2018. Web.

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A Rhetorical Analysis of The Declaration of Independence

In “The Declaration of Independence” Thomas Jefferson calls for the separation of the American colonists from the grips of an abusive and tyrannical England. He makes his position clear to the colonist and most importantly the world by using persuasive appeals, syntax and diction.

In the first two paragraphs of the Declaration, Jefferson not only establishes the credibility of the revolutionaries, but also lays out a logical argument that sets forth the philosophical beliefs upon which America was founded. In paragraph one, he acknowledges the need to justify the radical position the colonies took against their king. He says that he recognizes the need to state “the causes that impel that separation,” showing that he is conscious of his obligation to explain the actions of the colonist and that he has a “decent respect for the opinions of mankind.” The use of ethos helps Jefferson to present himself and the revolutionaries as reasonable, respectable and conscientious even though the actions they are about to take are radical and revolutionary. In paragraph two, Jefferson sets forth a logical argument for those actions. He uses deductive logic in the form of a syllogism to clearly present his argument. He states that all people have rights guaranteed by their Creator, that it is the role of government to protect those rights, and that when it does not, “it is their right, it is their duty,” to alter or abolish that government. He cautions again, using ethos, that “Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes, meaning that the grievances of the colonist regarding the King’s abuses must be so great that it is necessary to take action. He ends the paragraph with a direct accusation against the king, stating that “The history of the present King of Britain is a history of injuries and usurpations,” and then leads into a list of “facts” that will persuade his audience of the truth of these grievances. In just two paragraphs Jefferson manages to establish the need for revolution and convince the world that those supporting this radical view are indeed credible.

In lines 45 through 148 of the Declaration, Jefferson builds on his argument with inductive reasoning, syntax, and diction. Beginning in line 45 Jefferson lays down his massive list of specific grievances that the King of England has committed against America. He states that he is very well aware that King George has “refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good,” showing that he understands that the colonist have indeed been wronged. The use of inductive reasoning helps Jefferson to present himself and his fellow revolutionaries as knowing and logical. Taking place in lines 45 through 91 the phrase, “He has,” serves to further strengthen Jefferson’s argument. With its parallel and anaphora structures it hammers in with a repetition the fact that King George “has” without a doubt committed these specific actions against the colonist. Allowing Jefferson to conclude with conviction that the king is “unfit to rule free people.”  In lines 137 through 148 Jefferson ends his logical argument with a strong emotional appeal. He states that King George has “excited domestic insurrections amongst us,” and that King George has, “endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages,” to kill them. Overall, Thomas Jefferson in lines 45 through 148 of the Declaration of Independence, establishes a great logical argument by using inductive reasoning, syntax, and diction.

In the last two paragraphs Jefferson uses syntax and ethos to convey the extent to which he and the colonies are willing to sacrifice for freedom. Beginning in the first of the last two paragraphs, Jefferson uses the phrase, “We have.” It is this parallel structured phrase of, “We have,” that repeats over and over again to demonstrate that they have appealed to their, “British brethren,” and that the British are not listening. So after all of these cries for action the Americans have come to the conclusion that their so called brethren are, “Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.” The chiasmus conveys perfectly that Jefferson and the colonies are willing to go to war with even their families for the price of freedom. The chiasmus ending Jefferson’s second to last paragraph also further establishes his credibility. It shows that he and his revolutionaries will stand by their “unalienable rights,” no matter the cost. In the final paragraph Jefferson again furthers his credibility when he calls his fellow revolutionaries, “the good People of these Colonies.”  This statement in essence means that colonist are not uncivilized monsters who just want to get rid of the king, but are actual good natured people. Jefferson climaxes the last paragraph with the statement, “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor,” a chilling statement that ultimately paints its speaker and his cohorts as heroes willing to risk their whole existence for their cause. Altogether, the final two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence served as a final grab at credibility by using syntax.

In writing the Declaration of Independence not only did Jefferson create a historically appreciated document, but a persuasive masterpiece that thoroughly convinces its audience of the extreme importance of America needing to separate from Britain. Its powerful use of persuasive appeals, syntax, and diction are in fact what made it great. Without these the world as we know it might not have been. 

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A Rhetorical Analysis of the United States Declaration of Independence 

Published 10:20 pm Monday, September 11, 2023

By Staff Reports

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There are three models of rhetorical persuasion – ethos, pathos, and logos. The Greek philosopher Aristotle developed the model. To persuade an audience, a speaker has to appeal to their authority, emotions, and logic. Interestingly, the mechanics are still applied in schools today when students write a thesis on the Declaration of Independence. Ethos, in the rhetorical analysis of the Declaration, establishes a speaker’s trustworthiness by underlying their authority or credibility.

In contrast, pathos evokes empathy, sympathy, or other emotional responses to support an argument. Declaration of Independence logos rely on facts, evidence, and sound reasoning to make a persuasive argument. Thomas Jefferson combined these skills to call for separation from tyrannical England. Let us analyze the document to discover more. 

Declaration Of Independence Historical Context 

The only way to understand why the Statement was written is to check the events that led to calls for separation. However, analyzing archives and databases is daunting for any writer. Consider using the Declaration of Independence essay examples on PapersOwl as materials for inspiration if you’re writing a research paper on the Declaration of Independence and find this subject challenging. The free sample papers explore the topic from different angles.

The American colonies adopted the document on July 4, 1776. The aim was to break their relationship with Great Britain. Here is an overview of the factors that contributed to its creation: 

• By the mid-18th century, the British had ruled the American colonies for over 150 years. Taxation without representation, colonial trade restrictions, and tensions grew during this period. Events like the Boston Tea Party of 1773 and the Stamp Act of 1765 further worsened the relationship. 
• The Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 snowballed into the American Revolution or War for Independence. 
• Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense in early 1776, questioning British rule and monarchy. 
• Richard Henry Lee of Virginia called for Independence on June 7, 1776. 
• The committee of five drafted the document.

Rhetorical Appeals 

Take a look at the techniques Jefferson used to persuade the audience to accept his message:

Ethos in the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson earned respect by explaining the reasons for the colonies’ actions. In the first paragraph, he stated examples of ethos that “it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands” and “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind.” Prominent figures who signed the document further strengthened the Declaration’s claims. In the second paragraph, he opined that humans bore equal and unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Pathos in the Declaration of Independence 

The text included special language that evoked strong emotions. Before listing the grievances, it’s stated, “Let facts be submitted to a candid world.” Then, he detailed the hardships colonists endured and described the British actions as “a long train of abuses and usurpations.” Others are: 

• Taxation without representation.
• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Absolutism and despotism. 

Logos in the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson affirmed that the colonists had tried to appeal to the king and “our British brethren.” To show humility and respect. The document followed a logical progression: 

• Purpose of independence. 
• List of grievances. 
• Conclusion with a formal Declaration of Independence. 

Legacy and Influence

The Declaration has a lasting legacy in American History. They include: 

• The foundational document of democracy . 
• Incorporation in the U.S. Constitution and legal systems. 
• Symbol of American identity.
• Human rights protection. 
• Democratic movement expansion. 

Criticism and Controversy 

The Declaration faced many criticisms despite its well-meaning design. For example, “equality and unalienable rights” did not address racial inequality and slavery. Other controversies attached to the effect of the Declaration of Independence are: 

• Exclusion of women. 
• Native American displacement. 
• Non-property owner exclusion. 
• Selective interpretation. 

The Impact of the American Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is the philosophical foundation of American democracy. The writer used statements with moral, ethical, and legal overtones to answer the question, Why separation? To create a vivid picture, they wrote, “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.” Beyond emotions, the drafters interwove logic into every argument to describe the relationship between the two countries. Jefferson’s use of persuasive syntax and dictionaries made the document so appealing. It went on to serve as a role model for countries like France and women experiencing similar conflicts. 

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Home — Essay Samples — History — Declaration of Independence — Declaration Of Independence Rhetorical Devices

Declaration of Independence Rhetorical Devices

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A Rhetorical Analysis of The Declaration of Independence

In “The Declaration of Independence” Thomas Jefferson calls for the separation of the American colonists from the grips of an abusive and tyrannical England. He makes his position clear to the colonist and most importantly the world by using persuasive appeals, syntax and diction. In the first two paragraphs of the Declaration, Jefferson not only establishes the credibility of the revolutionaries, but also lays out a logical argument that sets forth the philosophical beliefs upon which America was founded. In paragraph one, he acknowledges the need to justify the radical position the colonies took against their king. He says that he recognizes the need to state “the causes that impel that separation,” showing that he is conscious of his obligation to explain the actions of the colonist and that he has a “decent respect for the opinions of mankind.

” The use of ethos helps Jefferson to present himself and the revolutionaries as reasonable, respectable and conscientious even though the actions they are about to take are radical and revolutionary. In paragraph two, Jefferson sets forth a logical argument for those actions. He uses deductive logic in the form of a syllogism to clearly present his argument. He states that all people have rights guaranteed by their Creator, that it is the role of government to protect those rights, and that when it does not, “it is their right, it is their duty,” to alter or abolish that government. He cautions again, using ethos, that “Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes, meaning that the grievances of the colonist regarding the King’s abuses must be so great that it is necessary to take action.

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He ends the paragraph with a direct accusation against the king, stating that “The history of the present King of Britain is a history of injuries and usurpations,” and then leads into a list of “facts” that will persuade his audience of the truth of these grievances. In just two paragraphs Jefferson manages to establish the need for revolution and convince the world that those supporting this radical view are indeed credible. In lines 45 through 148 of the Declaration, Jefferson builds on his argument with inductive reasoning, syntax, and diction. Beginning in line 45 Jefferson lays down his massive list of specific grievances that the King of England has committed against America. He states that he is very well aware that King George has “refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good,” showing that he understands that the colonist have indeed been wronged. The use of inductive reasoning helps Jefferson to present himself and his fellow revolutionaries as knowing and logical.

Taking place in lines 45 through 91 the phrase, “He has,” serves to further strengthen Jefferson’s argument. With its parallel and anaphora structures it hammers in with a repetition the fact that King George “has” without a doubt committed these specific actions against the colonist. Allowing Jefferson to conclude with conviction that the king is “unfit to rule free people.”In lines 137 through 148 Jefferson ends his logical argument with a strong emotional appeal. He states that King George has “excited domestic insurrections amongst us,” and that King George has, “endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages,” to kill them. Overall, Thomas Jefferson in lines 45 through 148 of the Declaration of Independence, establishes a great logical argument by using inductive reasoning, syntax, and diction.

In the last two paragraphs Jefferson uses syntax and ethos to convey the extent to which he and the colonies are willing to sacrifice for freedom. Beginning in the first of the last two paragraphs, Jefferson uses the phrase, “We have.” It is this parallel structured phrase of, “We have,” that repeats over and over again to demonstrate that they have appealed to their, “British brethren,” and that the British are not listening. So after all of these cries for action the Americans have come to the conclusion that their so called brethren are, “Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.” The chiasmus conveys perfectly that Jefferson and the colonies are willing to go to war with even their families for the price of freedom. The chiasmus ending Jefferson’s second to last paragraph also further establishes his credibility.

It shows that he and his revolutionaries will stand by their “unalienable rights,” no matter the cost. In the final paragraph Jefferson again furthers his credibility when he calls his fellow revolutionaries, “the good People of these Colonies.”This statement in essence means that colonist are not uncivilized monsters who just want to get rid of the king, but are actual good natured people. Jefferson climaxes the last paragraph with the statement, “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor,” a chilling statement that ultimately paints its speaker and his cohorts as heroes willing to risk their whole existence for their cause. Altogether, the final two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence served as a final grab at credibility by using syntax. In writing the Declaration of Independence not only did Jefferson create a historically appreciated document, but a persuasive masterpiece that thoroughly convinces its audience of the extreme importance of America needing to separate from Britain.

Its powerful use of persuasive appeals, syntax, and diction are in fact what made it great. Without these the world as we know it might not have been.

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Thomas Jeffersons The Declaration Of Independence Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples

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Topic: Government , United States , Management , Politics , Declaration of Independence , Supreme Court , Appeal , Declaration

Published: 02/15/2020

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The United States’ federal government shaped by the Constitution started operations in 1789 when the first Congress was summoned and George Washington became the President of the United States. The government was actually named a federal government due to the reason that it was created by a dense constitution among 13 different political units comprising all the various states of the country. All the states decided to hand over part of their independence so that a predominant authority is created and thus they surrendered themselves to it. As a result, what was fundamentally a cluster of 13 divided republics under the Articles of Confederation, combined to form one big nation under the Constitution. When America was declared as an independent nation in the year1776, the term United States of America was used in the Declaration of Independence issued after independence. A plethora of rhetorical appeals have been used by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence with an objective to appeal to the citizens of the United States. Jefferson uses a number of literary devices for successfully conveying his message to the people of America. The entire first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence is filled with logos as it essentially states why, in the first place, there is a need for creating a declaration of Independence. Jefferson states that societies need to disconnect or disintegrate from their past rulers, Britain in case of the United States, and depend on the powers of the Almighty and form a new community. He tries to logically convince the people in an effort to help them clearly understand the declaration of Independence document. He also goes on to explain (using logos) how the declaration of Independence would help the American citizens secure their rights with respect to the pursuit of their happiness, liberty, and their life as a whole. Similarly, Jefferson also continues in this same mode of explanation while trying to highlight the mistakes done by the rulers of Britain. He highlights the same in a very methodical manner stating appropriate facts to the people. In the same manner, Jefferson explains the second paragraph of the document using pathos. While he reads out the statement– “Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government” he is essentially conveying the agony and suffering that the 13 colonies experienced while also persuading them to break out from the shackles of the English colonies. Even the last sentence of the document, which reads “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” has been read out by Jefferson wherein he appeals to the citizens in the same manner. This statement of the document essentially indicates how much each and every citizen of the United States was willing to sacrifice while also indicating the amount of passion that has gone into the making and drafting of this particular document. The last paragraph of the document was authoritatively stated by Jefferson and this point to the use of ethos by him. He mentions that all those who have signed the Declaration of Independence including himself, were actually the representatives of the nation in the Congress and the same exhibits the position, authority, and integrity of all those enforcing the document and its contents. This kind of authority is also apparent when Jefferson highlights the misdoings and faults of the English king with appropriate mentioning of the facts. This appeal includes elements of both ethos as well as logos, as mentioned earlier. Jefferson actually provides substantiating evidence to all the claims he makes against the King of Britain thus making all the claims authentic and credible while imparting a sense of trustworthiness in the minds of the reader. Jefferson has a very intellectual tone to his speech and the words he uses as well as to the overall tactic used in his writing. He makes use of eloquent, complex, and cultured language in order to make the readers understand the significance and gravity of his writing. He makes himself appear highly intellectual and clever through the use of such sophisticated and complicated language and also through the way he makes claims and explains facts to the people. Jefferson’s use of words like cruel, perfidy, autocracy, anguish, dissolved, and deaf indicate his scholarly phrasing. This eventually helps the audience comprehend that Jefferson is an intellect and is thoroughly cognizant of what he is talking. Jefferson makes each of every sentence he utters in a very delicate manner. He uses simple yet complex and declarative words and phrases to make his point clear while also substantiating them with appropriate facts. In a nutshell, it is very clear that the Declaration of Independence is an important example of how all the three rhetorical elements, namely the ethos, logos, and the pathos can be used in a single document. Certainly, this document was, and would continue to remain the single most influential document as it essentially appeals to a wide range of emotions of people.

Works Cited

Kehen, William. United States Government. 1996. 22 September 2013 <http://history-world.org/united_states_government.htm>. The United States Government. "Declaration of Independence." 04 July 1776. The Charters of Freedom - a new world is at hand. 21 Sepember 2013 <http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html>.

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The Declaration of Independence Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Pack

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This Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Pack for the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson encourages students to analyze the rhetorical appeals: logos, pathos, and ethos! This pack includes a lesson that teaches students how to write a rhetorical analysis step-by-step from the reading of the text all the way to the final essay. Make teaching rhetorical analysis STRESS-FREE this year!

Do you need the PDF & Digital version? Click here >>> The Declaration of Independence Digital Analysis Pack

This product includes the following:

• A copy of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson
• Rhetorical Appeals Chart
• Rhetorical Analysis Graphic Organizers
• Thesis Organizer, Essay Outline, & Rubrics
• 2-Page Essay Example
• 3 Short Responses, Rubrics, and Writing Tips
• Detailed Lesson Plan
• Answer Keys

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Strategies that could be used during or after reading (but are NOT a part of this pack) are SOAPSTone (Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, and Tone), SBAC (Scan, Brainstorm, Analyze, Confirm), SPAUTS (Speaker, Purpose, Audience, Universal Idea, Theme, Strategies), FSA (Firm Up Your Ideas, State Your Reasons, Assess the Truth), ACE (Answer, Cite, Explain), etc.

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