The Declaration of Independence which was authored by Thomas Jefferson can be viewed as an argument placing the common sense of the need for the independence of the British colonies in a firm as well as a plain way such that the addressee would identify these needs ( Peterson, 2000) . Additionally, the argument is based on the justification of the need for independence and why the Americans are compelled to take the stand calling for independence. It can be concluded that Jefferson is not bringing into being new arguments or issues that have not been raised before but instead is emphasizing on them in such a way to draw the attention of the British king further.
The rhetor claims that should a nation want to cut ties with another nation where the ties have existed for a long time reasons for such a decision ought to be provided. In holding this claim, Jefferson in the rhetoric explicitly tables the reasons that have informed the Congress' decision to cut ties with the British. First, Jefferson cites the fact that all men are equal and thus ought to enjoy the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness on the same basis. Further, the rhetor supposes that the governments are responsible for ensuring that these rights are guaranteed to the public without abuse or denial.
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Jefferson’s claim is valid and founded on the premise of equality that is not created by law but one that is divine and conferred to the people by God. However, the claim about equality that Jefferson tables before Congress can be argued to have several reservations noting that Jefferson to a certain extent did not accord similar equality that he was demanding from the British by owning slaves.
The rhetor employs parallelism as a strategy where he identifies and chronologically provides the causes in support of his claim. In the third and fourth paragraphs, Jefferson’s use of parallelism can be seen where he indicates "He has refused his assent to laws… he has forbidden his governors to pass laws…" ( Maddern, 2008). By employing this strategy, the rhetor appeals to the emotions of the audience through the provision of a cluster of information to persuade the audience on why they should cut ties with the British and such decision upheld by the British.
The second claim that Jefferson makes is that the colonies have a duty and a right to throw off governments that have met abuses on the colonists. It can be concluded that the claim made by Jefferson is founded on the fact that a government that fails to honor the rights of the people and instead extends abuses to them does not have a right to be in power ( Parkinson, 2012) . Thus the people have a responsibility to change such a system of government and secure their future. In bringing across this claim, Jefferson extensively employs anaphora. In the thirty-first through the thirty-second paragraphs, Jefferson uses the phrase "we". "We have been wanting in attention…, we must therefore acquiesce in necessity…, we, therefore, the representatives…" ( Maddern, 2008). By employing anaphora, the rhetor is creating emphasis that the responsibility of throwing off the government is solely on the Congress and as such, must take the appropriate actions that will ensure their independence is guaranteed. It should be noted that the strategy is persuasive enough since it speaks directly to the audience and calls them to action.
In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson’s rhetoric can be viewed as being excellently developed and employing various rhetoric strategies. Consequently, the strategies employed have a direct impact on the audience, persuading them to action. The claims that the rhetor makes are supported by significant backing to drive the rhetor's argument further persuading the audience who identify with the claims.
References
Maddern, S. W. (2008). Thomas Jefferson: The Declaration of Independence - By Michael Hardt. WorkingUSA , 11 (4), 534-536. doi:10.1111/j.1743-4580.2008.00224.x
Parkinson, R. G. (2012). The Declaration of Independence. A Companion to Thomas Jefferson , 44-59. doi:10.1002/9781444344639.ch4
Peterson, M. D. (2000). Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826), philosopher, author of the Declaration of Independence, and president of the United States. American National Biography Online . doi:10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.0200196
