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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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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A Rhetorical Analysis of the United States Declaration of Independence 

Published 10:20 pm Monday, September 11, 2023

By Staff Reports

Source: Freepik

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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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Declaration of Independence Analyzed Rhetorically

Please criticize my rough draft. Though take it easy on the conclusion there is none, I know I have to work on that.

Obviously no artifact of any kind never exists in a vacuum and the declaration of independence is no exception. It was written in a volatile time for specific purposes which I will discuss. It also used a variety of rhetorical appeals including logos, pathos, and ethos. There are also other appeals involving the tone and how it was written, which is a direct result of the purpose of the document.

The declaration of independence was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. England and the United States of America, which consisted of 13 colonies at this point, had been at war for a year now. When the declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 it was the official separation of the colonies from Great Britain. When reading the declaration of independence, you might think that its main audiences are Great Britain, and probably the citizens of the 13 colonies. While both of these parties most definitely did read the declaration of independence, they weren’t the main audience. Foreign countries were the main target of the declaration of independence, because the colonies wanted to convince them of their cause so that the other countries would provide support to the war effort.

Since the intended audience was foreign countries, you can see why the writers chose the appeal that they did. The beginning of the declaration of independence is very structured and  logical trying to gain foreign support. You can see this from the very first line alone. It gives the reason for writing the declaration of independence in general.

“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, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

This says that when political ties such as this are severed, people should have a right to know why. Not only does that sentence do a good job of showing why the document was written,  but it also gives the reader a good idea of what to expect in the rest of the document. This makes it easier to follow when you understand that this declaration will state exactly why the United States of America felt it necessary to separate from Great Britain.

Another thing that you can take away from even the very first sentence, is the formal and proper tone that the document seems to have. For one, this was written in 1776 and people talked and wrote more formally back then, but even so there’s still another reason for this. They need to make sure that they are taken seriously because the 13 colonies are trying to start their own country. By just taking a more formal tone it shows that you are serious and should be taken seriously. It also implies that they don’t take this separation lightly and that they have put a lot of thought into it.

When it comes to the actual content of the declaration of independence it is extremely logical and well structured. It lays out every single point trying to prove to other countries that America is waging the just war in this particular situation. There are also some distinctions that I think are worth noting.

“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed-”

I think that it is important to note that in this sentence of the declaration the flow of power in the social contract is critical. Men give up some of their rights to form a state which means that government gets their power from the people, rather than people getting their power from the government. If any foreign nations were to disagree with this flow of power than they most likely wouldn’t support the rebellion. I think that the writers simply believed that nearly everyone would take this claim at face value, which is why they didn’t elaborate on it. Its also possible that they didn’t think they would persuade anyone who disagreed with this point to reverse their position. Another point made in the declaration is that you cannot revolt in good conscience unless the grievances are incessant and severe. The writers wanted to persuade other countries that they weren’t revolting from trivial offenses, and they didn’t think it would be right it they did. Logos is probably the most prevalent in the declaration of independence because of who their audience is. Further examples of logos is seen in the numerous grievances listed. Every single one of them is one reason why the colonies are choosing to separate from Britain. After they are all listed, the document then addresses any counter arguments that could be possibly had. It shows that they have exhausted any other options of communication because Britain wasn’t responding to the negotiations. the declaration also states how none of the grievances were unknown to the British. Each one was made known to them and met with further injury leaving them with only one choice; to revolt.

The last paragraph is the one that actually declares the independence of the United States of America. Because this is a momentous thing to do, this whole paragraph is dripping with pathos. You can almost hear the pride and excitement of the written words of this document.

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, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.

This is a very lengthy sentence but it achieves its purpose. From beginning to end it is a crescendo of emotion. When reading it you can picture Thomas Jefferson saying it, standing up proud and sitting down in a huff out of breath when he’s finished it. The use of are and ought to be is effective as well. They are saying not only are we free but we ought to be free as well, further trying to support their cause as the right one.

3 thoughts on “ Declaration of Independence Analyzed Rhetorically ”

Tim, I’m glad you chose the Declaration of Independence, a document I always enjoy returning to and re-reading. When you have time someday (I know there’s no time for leisure-time reading in college), you should take a look at Garry Wills’s book “Inventing America: Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence.”

As someone who’s really interested in American history, I really liked the topic behind this essay. The Declaration of Independence is a great choice because there’s so much to work with. The whole document is filled with rhetoric, commonplaces, and ideologies. You did a great job of incorporating the text into your paper, so that really helped the reader understand your points. Your points about pathos are spot on, so well done. I would possibly talk about the ethos of the document and maybe the various ideologies. However, this is a really well-written paper, so keep it up!!

I thought that this was a good rough draft, and I basically have two comments on how you can improve it. First, it needs polishing. Double check your word use (then vs. than etc.), double check that your tenses all make sense, and generally search for typos, because I did see some. I’d also let it sit without looking at it for a couple of days, and then read over it again; usually when I do that I do a much better job of self-editing, and I can really improve the flow of my writing. Secondly, and I didn’t do this either in my rough draft, because I didn’t know we had to, but I think he wants us to explain why we chose the artifact we did. That shouldn’t be too difficult, but it’s something to keep in mind. And you already know you need to tag on a conclusion, so I think you did a really good job here!

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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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