Rhetorical Analysis Outline

Avery Herbon
Mrs. Ogborn
AP Lang and Comp
22 September 2012

Declaration of Independence

Intro

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." These words were said by one of our founding fathers, George Washington. This quote is referring to how a government is meant to be established as a strong working force where everyone is entitled to have somewhat of a participation. If this is not fufilled, then it could be left to fall in the hands of someone who can destroy it from within. This can also be applied to when the Declaration of Independence was formed. Thomas Jeffersaon had written the Declaration, and used many rhetorical tactics to achieve his purpose; such as, repetition, anaphora, and division strategies.

Body 1-Repetition

Point-Jefferson references to many things more than once, inorder to get his point across to the readers and people of the nation.
Example1-"That..." (Jefferson, 13-18).
Example 2- "Government..." (16-39).

Body 2-Anaphora

Point- He also uses anaphora on a few occurences to let the people know what he believes is important.

Example 1-"He has..." (45-92).
Example 2-"For..." (100-120).

Body 3-Division

Point- Thomas Jefferson also divides this document into three seperate pieces during his charges against King George III to show the different levels of personal assaults, and accusations on Britian itself.
Example 1-"He has..." (45-92). Also "He has..." (125-140).
Example 2-"For..." (100-120).

Conclusion

In the Declaration of Independece, Thomas Jefferson uses ways such as repetition, anaphora, and division to get his thoughts of independence for America across to the people. This document is a very formal way of the people showing the world that they truley want independence from Britain. It is a step towards their countries economical freedom, and a way for everyone to take them serious on the matter. The way Jefferson uses these rhetorical devices truely makes the reader understand what is truely important, and what he wants them to remember after reading.