Topic > Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence: Critical Analysis

In “The Declaration of Independence” Thomas Jefferson calls for the separation of the American colonists from the clutches of a violent and tyrannical England. He makes his position clear to the colonist and, more importantly, to the world by using persuasive appeals, syntax, and diction. Thomas Jefferson used all three methods (Ethos, Logos, and Pathos). I will analyze how each one used them starting with Logos. The most common rhetoric used by Thomas Jefferson was that of logos, not that he didn't like pathos. But who should we say? Thomas Jefferson said something like this: “The people have natural rights, for which government was created. This government is not only neglecting its purpose, but also doing a lot of other things wrong, so of course we have to declare independence.” The cause of this was that the government was not doing its job. Here's the effect: we declared independence. So far it's clear, right? All Jefferson has to do is reason with the people. He didn't threaten them and starve them like other people. While it seems like using logos was enough, he had to seal it all using emotions. This is called pathos and is equally effective. When mixed it can be a dangerous combination for both good and bad. This is where we get a little more logical, Jefferson talked about independence from the people who have inalienable rights there to not allow the United States of America to have our fundamental rights. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay that talks about love, life and the pursuit of happiness. Moving beyond the most famous part of the document, Jefferson demonstrates the failures of the British government: The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these countries. States. To prove this, let the facts be subjected to a sincere world. Jefferson not only claims that the government has wronged the people, but sets out to prove exactly how by continuing with a specific (and long) list of evidence. He tries not to upset anyone with this, but he does provide a detailed list of twenty-seven examples. Now, Jefferson wasn't all logic and reason, he let a little pathos sneak in there. Phrases like “all men are created equal,” “humanity is more willing to suffer, while evils are bearable,” and “absolute tyranny” definitely appeal to the more emotional side of the audience. I should note that these are attributed to the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson later also describes how the British people were "deaf to the voice of justice", which is a rather dramatic way of saying that they did not respond to a letter. Next time you ask someone for a favor and they ignore you, tell them they're "deaf to the voice of injustice" and if you get strange looks, though, you're missing the point. Jefferson continues to persuade people to become independent. As a concerned human being would obviously do. The document is calm, fresh, and collected from the mind of Jefferson and a few others. It's not confusing and brings the logos into play again. While it is the main rhetoric he uses, as I stated before. It uses logos and pathos, but I don't think it uses ethos. Now, when he used pathos, it was primarily to unite Americans against the king. Who will fight the king? The common man, the person on your left and the person on your right. I have read numerous essays on what rhetoric Jefferson used and I can say that it is highly debated. Although not many say it is based on ethics only logos and pathos. I myself believe in logos. Jefferson was a man.