Rhetoric in the Decleration of Independence, History


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Rhetoric in the Decleration of Independence

Rhetoric in the Decleration of Independence Rhetoric in The Declaration of Independence Independence, to many that word means freedom, a fresh start, a place of salvation, free from the tyranny of kings. The Declaration of Independence gives power to the idea that such a nation could form and be successful. This powerful piece of political prose and rhetoric has held strong to these beliefs for years. The introduction consists of a single long sentence that subtlety directs readers toward a favorable view of America. It puts the revolution inside the “course of human events” making it an enormous thing and implying that it’s theories are based on “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” raising it even higher to the powers of a ‘greater’ being. It tells the reader that we are entitled “separate and equal station among the powers of Earth”. This brings honor to the Revolution, setting it apart from a petty political dispute to a major historical event. And it does all of this without ever mentioning the two parties involved, England and America. One important word in the introduction is “necessary”. To say that something is necessary implies that it is inevitable and absolutely essential. The Revolution was not only desirable, worthy and justifiable, but also unavoidable, inevitable and necessary. Like the introduction the next part of the Declaration remains dragnet in tone. It does not refer to the two parties, but explains a general idea of government that justifies the reasons for such a revolution. It is a brief, concise and simple statement. The purity, simplicity and directness of this paragraph is so precisely worded that moving a single word seems to disrupt the whole piece. The reader is moved easily from thought to thought, beginning with the creation of mankind, to the institution of governments, the overthrowing of a government when it fails to give the people unalienable rights to the creation of a new government to better provide the rights and happiness of the people. This builds on the idea that the Revolution is a major event in the “course of human events.” The compilation of these five propositions serves a significant rhetorical purpose; they prove a logical course of action. It makes the ideas common sense, and in terms plain yet firm, that justify the Revolution. And finally, after the necessity and logic has been clarified, the two countries involved are mentioned, and immediately America is made the glorious one. The Declaration then moves on to list twenty-eight particular “repeated injuries and usurpations.” It opens in saying, “To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.” By using the word ‘prove’ we can assume that the facts following will tell why the king is a tyrant. Then implying that if one is not convinced it is because they are not a “candid”, or impartial, reader. Then the facts are told, each statement beginning with “He has” or “He is” which causes a magnification of all the wrong doings of the King. The facts are piled up one after another, with no commentary, which slows the reading pace down and draws attention to each “repeated injury,” and convinces the King is a tyrant. Much of the emotion of the document is built up in this list as the problems of war, suffering, and hardship are brought forth. This brings images of terror to the mind of the reader and those who have experienced such or even those who haven’t are likely to have some feelings aroused in them and realize the ravages of such tyranny. And so quite simply ended, “ 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 Declaration is a work of complete artistry. From the eloquent introduction, its precise reasoning, relentless compilation of charges, to the heroic closing it holds throughout an almost perfect style, form, content and dignity. The logic, the stately tone, the graceful and unhurried rhythm all contributes to its rhetorical power. And all explain why the Declaration remains a document that met the needs of the moment and continues to hold an honorable position even today. Bibliography:

Word Count: 695