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Rhetorical Analysis Of The Declaration Of Independence

836 Words4 Pages

Landin Wolters
Ms. McDonald
AP English Lang
24 September 2014
Rhetorical Analysis: The Declaration of Independence
It is widely known that the Declaration of Independence is one of the most well known written works of American Government. It was not just a declaration, but it served also as a justification of the original 13 colonies’ right to break away from Great Britain. This declaration’s goal was to send a strong and clear message to the King of Great Britain, the colonies’ desire for new leadership as well as, condemn the King for the many abuses and misconduct by him toward the new colonies. Beginning with the iconic words, “We the People,” the Declaration of Independence is one of the most symbolic writings representing the colonies’ …show more content…

One of the best-known quotes of this document has been, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This would be the main message of the declaration and it is extremely well written. The word “we” is used again and again in this document, and serves to rally individuals to feel included and united as a whole. It is the first document to call the colonies the, “United States of America,” which paints a picture of nationalism, a united people under one flag and one country. The wording used in this document is very purposeful in its intent; it provides a unified platform that the people can assemble behind and feel …show more content…

As mentioned, the document provides a long list of unjust and immoral doings by the King and Great Britain, but it also defines what their rights are and the desire to be independent. For example, there is a quote that states, “In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble of terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.” It is quite clear this is not the first communication the colonies have had with Great Britain and they are no longer willing for their rights to be ignored. To repeat, the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have already been mentioned. Still, the declaration goes on to describe very clearly what the colonies’ rights and expectations are and sets a political tone or posture. In this quote, “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.” This quote clearly states the colonies’ desire and the right to be free. In addition, the colonies make a pledge that further fortifies the political tone of this document by stating, “And for the support of this Declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes

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