Rhetorical Strategies In Thomas Jefferson's Declaration Of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is a founding document that determines how people live today. It was through this powerful document that Thomas Jefferson sought to get everyone the unalienable rights because of how the colonies were getting treated. In an effort to make such a strong statement, Jefferson employed numerous rhetorical strategies to build and support his argument. The strategies that were most effective in building his argument were the use of logos, ethos, and parallelism. The rhetorical strategy Jefferson used first was a powerful appeal to logic. The portion of TDOI called “The Declaration of Natural Rights” Jefferson indicates the common, rights and privileges that should be obvious to all people. One example when Jefferson …show more content…
This is persuasive because through this logic, Jefferson shows the people how to be ruled and how it can change by them. Overall, Jefferson’s use of logos through TDOI is persuasive in that he connects with his audience.
The second rhetorical strategy Jefferson used is an appeal to credibility. Jefferson uses ethos in the portion of TDOI called “Preamble,” he connects the credit to those in high power. One example when credibility is used in Jefferson’s DOI, is when he says, “We therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, in the Name, and by Authority of the good people of the colonies.” This emphasizes that Jefferson talked with those in power to come to the decisions for all peoples rights. This is effective because he says all people wish for the change for their freedom and colony. Credibility is also used in TDOI when he says, “That these United