Rhetorical Analysis of the Declaration of Independance

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In Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence he uses literary devices to help convey his message. Through his use of diction, imagery, details, language, and syntax Jefferson is really able to get his message across to his audience in a clear and orderly manner. He also uses ethos, pathos, and logos to improve his writing. In the Declaration of Independence he uses a specific type of word choice. He uses more formal wording and he does this because of the formal presentation and seriousness of the situation in which he is describing. He uses words such as dissolve, abolish, usurpations, and fatiguing to really enhance the text. This creates a sort of serious mood for the audience. Jefferson’s tone is very formal and serious about what he is talking about. He is not looking to maybe persuade his audience of the cruel and bitter treatment of his people that came from Great Britain. He is very adamant about his argument and uses these words to help prove his point. Jefferson’s use of imagery helps the audience really understand the way things worked when he was in Great Britain and how it became completely necessary to dissolve the political bands between Britain and the United States. “He has refused Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.” This makes people develop this image of the King sitting on his thrown while people are not even given the necessary needs for living. “He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.” This helps develop this image of the King putting these people in these awkward and uncomfortable situations just to make it difficult to pass laws and make it so that it is not worth putting up a fight and they should just give into the King’s desires.
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