Preview

Rhetorical Analysis Of The Declaration Of Independence

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1596 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Rhetorical Analysis Of The Declaration Of Independence
My initial thought toward writing a paper for the argumentative methods in The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was one of confusion and nervousness. I had no idea how I would write a paper on the document’s structural elements and not focus on its history; however, once I did some research it became clear to me how I would write this paper. The Declaration of Independence is an influential document with argumentative writing techniques that appeal to the reader’s emotions. This document also contains persuasive methods that strengthen the organizational design and the purpose of the text. For instance, the design and purpose of The Declaration are effectively presented to the audience through its syntax; the sentence …show more content…
This method connects the reader with the text in an emotional way by explaining and establishing the ideas of the document. For instance, The Declaration of Independence maintains a successful argument throughout its material due to logos that convinces readers of their rights and allows them to view the irrefutable words of the writer. Irrefutable language makes the document’s material seem true and undeniable. This is an influential method that is effective in holding the reader’s attention. For example, The Declaration provides logic and reasoning to influence the reader with information that grabs his or her …show more content…
A successful argumentative text must include or incorporate an effective person who is worth listening to. In The Declaration of Independence, ethos provide the reader with a sense of ease knowing that the author is a credible source. As reported by Alexander Tsesis’s analysis, this document is constructed around the idea of having a government that protects its citizens through laws made by authoritative figures (154). For instance, The Declaration is a credible source because it has an authoritative author that people can relate to. An authoritative figure is determined by evaluating the text for signs of a biased writer as well as the variety of his or her sources. Someone who is unbiased does not have opinions that are based on reason; however, a biased person bases ideas off of reason and logic. For example, in The Declaration, there are several examples and reasons that support the main argument of this document: “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 injuries” (Jefferson 7). This is achieved by appealing to the emotions of the reader. To illustrate, the reader’s attention is grabbed by commas and capital letters. A comma tells the writer to slow down and reflect on the text;

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    The Declaration of Independence is among the most profoundly interpreted and fiercely discussed documents in modern history. Most likely because of its rhetorical style and numerous fallacious arguments that are found. The colonists' use of persuasion to influence by using repetition to achieve their means. The Declaration of Independence is what 56 colonists saw as a logical course of action. What you must ask yourself is: What was considered logical in 1776?…

    • 575 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Effective Arguments

    • 943 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Many important events in our nation's history were influenced by persuasive arguments. Many sides have gained support due to the writings or speeches gave by an effective speaker. These arguments take a lot to be effective. There are three key components, and if an argument lacks any one of them, it is not effective. Organization, diction, and bias words are all important aspects to any effective argument. Using these three elements, Thomas Paine was able to make a triumphant case, whereas James Chalmers' writing did not and was therefore ineffective.…

    • 943 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Throughout our short time in this class we have been able look at many articles written by very influential people. The arguments they have presented have affected numerous people across the globe. By studying the works of Jefferson, Stanton, Wollstonecraft, and Woolf I have been able to see what makes an argument good vs what make an argument great. What makes an argument great or the best, is the authors ability to select the correct audience, use form to address that audience and ultimately have a lasting effect on the world. Although each of these authors present their arguments in an excellent manner, I believe that it is Jefferson who presents the best argument. There are three criteria which make Jefferson’s argument transcend above…

    • 2306 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    and our rights. Thomas Jefferson who was considered the best writer of the five men…

    • 142 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Rhetorical analysis attempts to show how the author of a piece uses persuasion. The piece may play on the emotions to persuade, may use logic, or it may rely on the audience’s ethics. Sometimes a combination of these may be used. The rhetorical analysis essay examines the methods used and their effectiveness.…

    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    be mandatory in schools because they are stupid” is not appropriate for an academic essay,…

    • 1516 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The Freedom Of Speech has been a right to individuals who wish to express themselves in different ways. Rhetorical Device is one of the most important elements of writing due to the fact that it enables the writer to understands how to create an effective argument. All arguments at least have a thesis statement, which consist the main idea. In order to enhance an essay, writers should provide an evidence by using reliable sources in order to avoid bias, which affects their credibility of using truthful information to support his or her stance in a topic. According to famous Greek Philosopher, Aristotle, there are three ways to persuade an audience by…

    • 389 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson, ed. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with…

    • 1052 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    In persuasive or argumentative writing, we try to convince others to agree with our facts, share our values, accept our argument and conclusions, and adopt our way of thinking. Elements toward building a good persuasive essay include establishing facts to support an argument clarifying relevant values for your audience (perspective) prioritizing, editing, and/or sequencing the facts and values in importance to build the argument forming and stating conclusions "persuading" your audience that your conclusions are based upon the agreed-upon facts and shared values having the confidence to communicate your "persuasion" in writing Here are some strategies to complete a persuasive writing assignment: Write out the questions in your own words. Think of the questions posed in the assignment while you are reading and researching.…

    • 702 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Walmart Essay

    • 1877 Words
    • 8 Pages

    John D. Ramage, John C. Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric With Readings.…

    • 1877 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    The aim of this essay is to analyze “The Declaration of Independence”, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Although this document is notable in many ways, in my opinion, the most impressive and meaningful part of the Declaration is the one whereJeffersondefines human rights and writes about the essence of Governments. That is why I decided to choose the second essay topic related to the definition of human rights and the role of governments.…

    • 594 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Declaration of Independent written by Thomas Jefferson, the declaration opens to explain for the British colonies of how Colonies have permission to overthrow their government, make a choice of becoming a separate nation, and seeking for independence. The Declaration also wrote that people deserve to have right to; live, freedom, and pursuit of happiness. "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..." (The Declaration of Independent, www.ushistory.org) Speaking of the ideal, from peoples' perspective, seen that the American now-a-day don't live up to all of this the ideal…

    • 954 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    English Paper

    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Cited: Ramage, John D., Bean, John C., and Johnson, June. (2007). Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric…

    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    When writing academic papers, try to set your other interests & behaviors aside & write as a scholar. This will make you a credible writer. Ethos is very important when presenting an argument. To persuade readers to agree with you, writing must be credible. How can you appeal to your audience? You must find a way to reach your audience & impress them w/your ability to use shared values & culture to persuade the reader. Aristotle used the term pathos to describe the humanistic appeal to emotion & values of your audience.…

    • 932 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The crucial skill teachers and readers are looking for in a student’s approach to documents is the awareness that documents are not statements of facts, but descriptions, interpretations, or opinions of events and developments made by particular people at particular places and times, and often for specific reasons. Too often, students write essays in which they take the documents at face value. Instead, students should be applying critical thinking skills to documents, evaluation whether they are likely to be accurate and complete, and in what ways the author of the document may be revealing bias.…

    • 560 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays