English 1301
Dr. Dodson
11 September, 2013
Analysis of The Declaration of Independence “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, …, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Thanks to Thomas Jefferson and the many men that helped write the most important document known to mankind that 237 years ago, we were named a free nation. They wrote the foundation of the political philosophy and the Declaration is a statement of principles that the United States Constitution should be interpreted. It provided inspiration throughout the world.
In the whole first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, there are examples of “Logos”, because of Thomas Jefferson is explaining that the only reason in writing this is out of respect. Jefferson says that there is a time when society needs to break away from his past leader. When Jefferson is addressing all the wrongs of King of Britain did and he lists them as facts. He presents his evidence really logically so that people will be able to understand it someday in the future.
There are examples of pathos throughout the second paragraph. When Jefferson states “such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies;..” he is able to convey the sorrow that the 13 colonies have experienced. “ And for the support of the Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” By showing how much everyone is willing to surrender their lives, fortunes, and honor, it shows the amount of heart and devotion that went into the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson uses ethos when he establishes his authority in the very last paragraph, he states that himself and all the other people that signed the document are “representatives of the United States of America, in General