Analysis and Review of the Declaration of Independence - Essay Example

Analysis of a Text: Declaration of Independence The nature of textual analysis is such that even documents that have an outwardly expressed meaning can be demonstrated to contain a number of subtle or indirect meanings. In addition to these elements, many textual documents function under a number of rhetorical and persuasive assumptions. When considering the documents in terms of this textual analysis, perhaps the most prominent example of the use of rhetoric and persuasive styling occurs in the Declaration of Independence. While nearly all students of history or American culture are familiar with the function of the Declaration of Independence, its rhetorical content and assumptions are not as easily understood. This essay examines this text for its rhetorical content, meaning, and themes, ultimately arguing that the document is structured both for Great Britain as an instrument of inspiration for the American people. When examining the Declaration of Independence it’s first necessary to consider the document for its outward structure, intended message, and audience. In these regards, the obvious intended audience for the document is the King of England, with the function being declaring the United States independence from Great Britain. In terms of structural components, the document is structured in what loosely can be termed a three-part structure. The first part is an introductory section that functions to state the general purpose of the letter. The second portion of the document, and what can be understood as its predominant structural component, is a list of grievances that the writers have outlined as being predominant reasons for the declaration. The final section of the document is a concluding section that greatly mirrors the opening part in structure and tone. In terms of the rhetorical purpose of this structure, one broad assumption in that Jefferson is implementing both pathos through persuasive prose, and then logos through the more legal and objective list of grievances. Within the document’s overarching structure, further rhetorical assumptions can be drawn in relation to Jefferson’s implementation of language and rhetoric. The first section of the document is one of the most recognized portions of persuasive writing in American history for a number of reasons. In this section, Jefferson implements a bombastic tone. Consider Jefferson when he writes, “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth…” (“The Declaration of Independence”). In these regards, the nearly melodramatic declaration functions not simply to declare one region’s independence over another, but also seems to carry with it an inspirational message to the very people declaring this message. Indeed, this dual rhetorical purpose becomes one of subtle themes witnessed throughout the document. In continuing to examine this opening section, one notes Jefferson’s implementation of linguistic structure. As witnessed above, Jefferson constructs lengthy sentences that unwind and unfurl as a means of establishing the nobility and importance of the message. Jefferson writes, “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” (“Declaration of Independence”). In addition to the extended sentence structure, one witnesses Jefferson’s use of alliteration and parallel structure through “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This consideration further establishes the underlining inspiration intentions of the document and demonstrates Jefferson’s propensity towards literary prose techniques. The remainder of this opening section continues with the same functional intentions – namely, the implementation of pathos in declaring independence; notably, rather than inter-splicing the lengthy sentences with short sentence respites, Jefferson implements long sentences throughout. While the opening section of the document implements literary style prose as a means of establishing the document’s message, the middle section of the text shifts to an approach more reliant on logos as a means of rhetorical expression. In this context of understanding, it’s noted earlier that largely a list format is implemented. For example, the text states, “He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures” (“Declaration of Independence”). While this list of grievances is largely void of rhetorical flourishes, its does have a thematic pattern, with each statement implementing either ‘He has’ or ‘For’ as an introductory statement. In part, it seems this rhetorical element functions to place Great Britain as a sort of paternal entity to which the United States must achieve independence. The final section of the document greatly mirrors the opening section in structure, but functions as concluding portion. In terms of further differentiating elements in this portion of the document, one notes that Jefferson has largely abandoned the lengthy sentence structure for a more direct approach. Consider Jefferson when he writes, “Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us” (“Declaration of Independence”). While previously Jefferson had avoided short sentence structures, it seems clear that he has embraced it here as a means of more directly addressing the audience. This way the document is able to address the reader through three rhetorical approaches and perhaps persuade them based on this textual combination. In conclusion, this essay has examined the Declaration of Independence for its rhetorical content, meaning, and themes, ultimately demonstrating that the document is structured both for Great Britain as an instrument of inspiration for the American people. Even as the document has an obvious use function – declaring independence – it is structured in a way that underlines a need for persuasion and rhetoric. The essay has demonstrated that within this context, the document demonstrates a three-part structure, with rhetorical implementation of both pathos and logos. Ultimately, it seems that Jefferson is not merely content in stating his reasons for this independence, but also recognizes the dire need for inspiring a populace to take this tumultuous step into the unknown of American existence. References "The Declaration of Independence." US History. N.p., 2010. Web. 13 Oct 2011. . Read More