Declaration Of Independence
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Jefferson takes on an indignant and educated tone throughout the declaration. For example, in the argument that Great Britain is being unjust over America, he writes, “To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.” This tone of his suggests that the United States of America, which he represents, is the victim of a senseless tyrant, king of Great Britain, and that he is justifying kindly a natural reaction to an outrageous offense. And, even though the United States then was obviously a mere colony of Great Britain, Jefferson speaks as if he represents an equal or more potent power to Britain. Such can be seen throughout the passage in how he shows no fear at all for Britain, and speaks as if his decision to part from Great Britain was an outcome of a logical progression of ideas(“We, THEREFORE the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, declare, That these United Colonies are,Free and Independent States;…”).
The language Jefferson uses is seemingly frank and powerful in message. Because the message in his writing explicates that America is outrageously a victim of Britain and that it ought to part from it, his language has the effect of arousing indignation, which may expediently lead to willful participation of citizens in war. For example, although the United States was not subjected under “absolute Despotism,” nor under “absolute Tyranny over these States,” as Americans then were basically liberated from Britain except economically, Jefferson nevertheless writes that it was. He also uses words that suggest that the British king is deliberate to cause evil and harm to the United States, further demonizing Britain – though using the phrase “unfamiliar places” would suffice, he writes, “He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant,” and, instead of “to force people under his measures,” “for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.” Instead of writing, “He restricted the population of the States,” Jefferson writes, “He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States.” In addition, he capitalizes the words THEREFORE and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, because they are the most important words in the declaration: THEREFORE suggests that Americas decision to part is coherent and backed by many reasons, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA declares that America is a separate, unique nation.
Jeffersons use of vivid imagery further suggests the evil of Great Britain. “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people,” instead of “attacking.” “He” did not merely “take captives,” but he “constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive … to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren.” He has not “cooperate with