Alex Gajic
Mrs. Grogan
English 1301
November 22, 2016
The Declaration of Independence
The “The Declaration of Independence” written by Thomas Jefferson, called for the separation of America from the tyrannical England. It was written to justify the American colonies' break from Great Britain and to make it easier to gain international support from potential allies. It listed the rights of every man and the grievances the colonists had against British rule. This document is largely responsible for laying the foundation of the United States of America and its further development. In the document, Thomas Jefferson makes his position clear to King George III of England and the rest of the world by using persuasive appeals, syntax and powerful diction.
…show more content…
Jefferson uses the first paragraph to state underlying principles behind the revolutionary action. He stresses the importance of independence of people and their liberty to choose their way of life. He says that he recognizes the need to express “the causes that impel that separation,” showing that he is conscious of his duty to explain the actions of the colonist. Using ethos helps Jefferson present himself and others who wish to break away from England as reasonable and diligent even though their actions may be seen as radical and revolutionary. Jefferson then proposes a rational argument for those actions. He states that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”, and that it is the government’s responsibility to uphold those rights. When and if a government does not uphold those rights, Jefferson states that the people have a “right… duty,” to alter or abolish that government. Using ethos again he warns that “Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes”, implying that the grievances he and America have against Britain are so severe that a change is absolutely necessary. With these introductory paragraphs Jefferson establishes the necessity for change and revolution to not …show more content…
He announces that American’s so called brethren are “Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.” The chiasmus explains how far Americans are willing to go in order to achieve freedom. Jefferson concludes the declaration by calling the revolutionaries “the good People of these Colonies.” He proclaims with this statement that Americans longing for freedom are not radical and dangerous, but instead are simply prideful people who wish to no longer be under the control of a tyrannical king. His conclusion solidifies his argument and