Rhetorical Analysis Of The Declaration Of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most influential documents in American culture. According to Stephen E. Lucas, The Declaration of Independence is sectioned into five main parts: the introduction, the preamble, the indictment of George III, the denunciation of the British, and the conclusion (Lucas). The introduction and the preamble of this document are written in an elevated, formal style to show their significance and importance. The indictment of King George III occurs later in the document as a way to soften the attack on the current government. The criticism of the British also is done later in the document and in a simple, common style using shorter sentences. Thomas Jefferson, in his writing of The Declaration of Independence,

The opening paragraph of the introduction is actually one long, periodic sentence. Lucas explains in his Stylistic Artistry of the Declaration of Independence that the use of the intricate phrases instill a sense of unquestionable authority in The Declaration of Independence (Lucas). Jefferson’s use of the phrases "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God”, "course of human events," and "separate and equal station among the powers of the earth," in The Declaration of Independence all invoke the idea that the colonies breaking away from Britain is part of a bigger, perhaps even religious, plan (Jefferson). Jefferson’s use of complex, detailed sentences and even his capitalization of important words mimics the writing style and tone of many religious books including The

In his writing of this great document, Thomas Jefferson intentionally structured this document specifically to entice the colonists to fight for their independence from Britain. By using sophisticated, elevated speech in the introduction and the preamble, Jefferson suggested that the colonists’ independence was in accordance to God’s will. Jefferson also cleverly chose not to attack the wrong-doings of King George III and the British until the middle part of The Declaration of Independence. By burying the negative statements, Jefferson was able to capture the readers’ attention more effectively rather than turning them away with initial negativity. Finally, Jefferson chooses to use simple syntax with one and two-syllable words in this section. This common language is appropriate for the common man who had been burdened by the British and their government. The careful structuring of The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson allows this document to stand the test of time and have made it a cornerstone in the American