Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson: Critical Analysis

Introduction

In “The Declaration of Independence,” Thomas Jefferson calls for the separation of the American colonists from the grips of an abusive and tyrannical England. He makes his position clear to the colonists and, most importantly, the world by using persuasive appeals, syntax, and diction. Thomas Jefferson employed all three rhetorical methods: Ethos, Logos, and Pathos. In this essay, I will analyze how he used each one, starting with Logos.

Logos: The Power of Reason

The most common rhetoric that Thomas Jefferson used was logos, although this does not imply he disregarded pathos. Jefferson argued that people have natural rights, which the government was created to protect. He stated that the British government was not only neglecting its purpose but was committing a series of other injustices, which justified the colonists' decision to declare independence. This logical cause-and-effect reasoning was straightforward: because the government was not fulfilling its duties, the colonists declared independence. Jefferson effectively reasoned with the people without resorting to threats or coercion. Though logos was powerful on its own, he also needed to appeal to emotions to seal his arguments.

Pathos: Stirring the Emotions

Pathos, the appeal to emotion, is just as effective as logos. When combined, these rhetorical strategies can create a compelling case, whether for good or ill. Jefferson appealed to the colonists' emotions by discussing their inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Beyond the most famous part of the document, Jefferson outlined 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 States" (Jefferson, 1776). To prove this, he presented a detailed list of twenty-seven grievances, showing precisely how the government had wronged the people.

Appeals to Justice and Equality

Jefferson's use of pathos is evident in phrases such as "all men are created equal," "mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable," and "absolute Tyranny," which appeal to the emotional side of his audience. He also described how the British people were "deaf to the voice of justice," a dramatic way to emphasize their unresponsiveness to the colonists' pleas. Through these emotional appeals, Jefferson sought to unite the Americans against the king, urging everyday citizens to join the fight for independence.

Logos and Pathos: A Symbiotic Relationship

The document is calm, collected, and methodically constructed from the minds of Jefferson and his collaborators. While the primary rhetoric he employed was logos, he skillfully integrated pathos to rally the American people. Although some scholars debate Jefferson's reliance on ethos, it is widely agreed that his use of logos and pathos was paramount. Jefferson's intent was not to manipulate the population for personal gain but to inspire them to act for the collective good.

The Culmination of a Vision

As the Declaration progresses, it moves beyond the famous lines about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It evokes excitement and readiness for a new nation, marking the start of a revolution. The final paragraph, which officially declares the United States of America's independence, is rich with pathos. By starting with logos and ending with pathos, Jefferson created a powerful document that communicated the creation of a new nation and the necessity for independence. He invoked a sense of sadness about being controlled by a distant power, urging unity and rebellion. Jefferson explained how the colonies could thrive independently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson crafted a document more comprehensive than this essay, but with it, he laid the foundation for a nation using logos and pathos. His adept use of these rhetorical strategies created emotion and momentum toward the goal of independence. The Declaration of Independence was not merely a hastily assembled document; it was meticulously thought out during a time of high emotions and tension. By harnessing logos and pathos, Jefferson directed these emotions for the greater good (Jefferson, 1776).

References

Jefferson, T. (1776). The Declaration of Independence. United States of America.