Declaration Of Independence Rhetorical Analysis

The writers of the Declaration of Independence used many techniques to enhance the meaning of this historic document. The writers start off by establishing their ethical standing; that they are reasonable and honorable men (they do this by acknowledging that they need to explain to everyone the reasons for their actions.) The also state the purpose of the document; why the colonists want to separate themselves from the British Crown. They continue onto the next paragraph and state their beliefs. I noticed syntax in the second paragraph. The word “that” is repeated so their fundamental beliefs are loud and clear. They argue that when the government fails to protect the rights of the people, the people have a right to overthrow that government “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations… is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such
Throughout most of the document, the writers appeal to pathos through the negative words they use in their list of the things the King has done wrong. For example, “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.” A little later into the document, ethos is evident. “In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.” Here, the writers are trying to make it clear that they didn’t have any intentions to become independent. The writers then continue with pathos. “A prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” The King left them no choice, his unfair treatment had reached a point of no further forgiveness. I noticed that when the writers wrote about King George and his actions, the diction used was very negative and