Thomas Jefferson demands the secession of American colonists from an oppressive, tyrannical England in “The Declaration of Independence”. Persuasive appeals, syntax and language are used to make his point clear to the colonists. Let’s start with Logos. Thomas Jefferson most frequently used logos, but he also liked pathos. We don’t know what to say. Thomas Jefferson stated something along the lines of “People have natural right, which is what the government was designed to protect.” This government isn’t only neglecting its purpose, but doing other bad things as well. Therefore, we must declare independence.” Now this is the result of the government not doing its job. We declared independence. This is a clear and simple step. Jefferson’s only responsibility is to reason with people. He didn’t threaten or starve them as other people. He had to add emotion, even though logos seem simple. This is pathos. And it’s just the same effective. It can make for a dangerous combination, good and bad. Jefferson spoke out in favor of independence from people who have inalienable human rights. This was to prevent the United States from obtaining our fundamental rights.
That is love, happiness, and life. Jefferson, after moving on to the most important part of this document, shows the failures in the British government. Jefferson argues that the history of the present King is one of repeated injury and usurpations with the sole purpose of creating an absolute Tyranny over these States. Let facts be made public to show this. Jefferson not only states that the government has mistreated the people but he also continues to provide evidence. While he does not want to upset anyone, he lists 27 examples. Jefferson wasn’t just rational and rational, he let some Pathos slip in. It’s easy to appeal to the emotional side of an audience with phrases such as ‘all men created equal’ and’mankind more disposed towards suffering, while evils sufferable’. These words are linked to the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson also later described how British citizens were unable or unwilling to respond to letters. Next time someone asks you for a favor, don’t be surprised if they turn down your request. Jefferson persists in persuading the people for their independence. Jefferson would naturally do so as a caring human being. Jefferson and other people have kept this document cool, collected and calm. It isn’t messy and logos are used again. It’s his main rhetoric, as I’ve said before. Logos and pathos are his main rhetorical tools, but I doubt he uses ethos. It was only to unite Americans against a king that he used pathos. Who will take on the king’s ire? The everyday person is the person to the left and the one to the right. Multiple essays have been written about Jefferson’s use of rhetoric. I’m sure it’s hotly debated. While not all agree with his ethos, many believe he does not rely on logos or pathos. Logos are something I hold dear. Jefferson was a wise man and didn’t seek to manipulate people to do his good. He wanted everyone to do well. We are now nearing the end of the declaration. These are just a few of the many statements. It brought out the excitement. It gave rise to the eagerness for the new nation. And it was not only a revolution. The final paragraph declares America’s independence. This is an important thing to do and this paragraph is full of pathos. He began with logos, and ended up with pathos. When he spoke of the creation and declaration of independence, he used logos. He used sadness to express sadness to let everyone know that even though the land was free, it was still under the control of a bigger country. Declared that it was time to rebel and join. Explanated how we can be independent while still being autonomous. I will conclude with Thomas Jefferson’s essay. He created a country by using pathos and logos. He used pathos and logos to create emotion and move towards his goal. The declaration to independence was not just a collection of essays or books. It took a lot of thought. All this was in a war that saw emotions be high-strung, edgy and intense. Logos and pathos helped him harness that emotion to create positive change.
