Skylar Tomason
Dr. Teorey
English 101
October 15, 2015 Rhetorical Analysis – Declaration of Independence
In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson proved his case that the American colonies had no choice but to separate from Great Britain. To do this, Jefferson used all three types of rhetorical speech. This was necessary in order to appeal to everyone, in which Jefferson accomplished quite well. Ethos, or ethical appeal, is established very early in the document, setting the tone. Pathos, or pathetic appeal, is more prominent throughout the second half of document; this is shown in the imagery and word choices that are used. Lastly, logos, or logical appeal, is heavily leaned on during the entire piece and makes up the majority of it. …show more content…
This creates a sense of connection with the reader and the writer by sharing specific feelings. Use of this empathy (pathos) is accomplished early on after the tone is set, and also continues throughout the piece by a clever use of word choice. For example, he unifies his audience when he mentions the absolute rights of mankind. As one body, every man is offered life, liberty, and happiness. If anything or anyone were to infringe on these rights (such as a corrupted government), it is the duty of man that the destructive object is sought out and changed. This change, be it a minor modification or a reconstruction altogether, must be with the “foundation of such principles” in order to ensure safety and happiness among the rest. The dalliance of the moral aspects of humankind evokes different emotions with different people. Nonetheless, the perception of responsibility plays with us all in some way. Furthermore, Jefferson maintains this energy and directs it towards the King of Great Britain by using adroit diction. “For cutting off our trade… For imposing Taxes…. For depriving us…” Not only is repetition used to make a point, but also words that pertain to us as a whole (i.e., our trade, taxes, depriving…). In this case, as well as many others, Jefferson uses pathos to back up his
Dr. Teorey
English 101
October 15, 2015 Rhetorical Analysis – Declaration of Independence
In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson proved his case that the American colonies had no choice but to separate from Great Britain. To do this, Jefferson used all three types of rhetorical speech. This was necessary in order to appeal to everyone, in which Jefferson accomplished quite well. Ethos, or ethical appeal, is established very early in the document, setting the tone. Pathos, or pathetic appeal, is more prominent throughout the second half of document; this is shown in the imagery and word choices that are used. Lastly, logos, or logical appeal, is heavily leaned on during the entire piece and makes up the majority of it. …show more content…
This creates a sense of connection with the reader and the writer by sharing specific feelings. Use of this empathy (pathos) is accomplished early on after the tone is set, and also continues throughout the piece by a clever use of word choice. For example, he unifies his audience when he mentions the absolute rights of mankind. As one body, every man is offered life, liberty, and happiness. If anything or anyone were to infringe on these rights (such as a corrupted government), it is the duty of man that the destructive object is sought out and changed. This change, be it a minor modification or a reconstruction altogether, must be with the “foundation of such principles” in order to ensure safety and happiness among the rest. The dalliance of the moral aspects of humankind evokes different emotions with different people. Nonetheless, the perception of responsibility plays with us all in some way. Furthermore, Jefferson maintains this energy and directs it towards the King of Great Britain by using adroit diction. “For cutting off our trade… For imposing Taxes…. For depriving us…” Not only is repetition used to make a point, but also words that pertain to us as a whole (i.e., our trade, taxes, depriving…). In this case, as well as many others, Jefferson uses pathos to back up his