The Declaration Of Independence Rhetorical Analysis

In “The Declaration of Independence,” “The Speech to the Virginia Convention,” and “The Crisis” all sources advocate the grand cause of America fighting for its independence from Britain by embracing war through effective rhetorical devices. In Jefferson’s work, he uses logos to expound powerfully this common purpose shared by all authors. For instance, Jefferson states boldly, Britain has “burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty” (Jefferson 121). The use of this strong device is also depicted in Patrick Henry’s writing when he says, “are fleets and armies necessary
This flame sparked by both writers helps the audience find the will within them to keep fighting until independence is accomplished. Furthermore, another effective rhetorical device used to empower this common theme of independence is seen in Henry's speech. He uses rhetorical questions to strengthen his argument that is seen when he proposes to his audience, “has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other” ( Henry 104). This is an example of rhetorical questions by Henry proposing several queries to make a point about America fighting for independence. Through this device, it provokes war by inciting his audience to think about Britain's endeavors. By thoughtfully asking if Great Britain has any enemy within American soil, he sheds light that war has been waged. This effectively empowers his claim by making his audience realize that war for independence must be fought for. Thus to conclude, all three writers utilize strong rhetorical devices to advocate the grand cause of America going to war with Britain and gaining