Revolutionary LiteratureRevolutionary LiteratureThe founding of a Nation1750-1820

Elements to Think of as You Read Elements to Think of as You Read

The Age of ReasonRhetoricAllusions to Greek and Roman ideals

The Declaration of The Declaration of IndependenceIndependence

Thomas Jefferson

SESSION 11-SEPTEMBER 8 & SESSION 11-SEPTEMBER 8 & 99

Declaration of Independence

What do you already know about the Declaration of Independence?

Who?

What?

Where?

When?

Why?

#1 SPEAKER #2 INTENDED AUDIENCE#6 MESSAGE

#4 TOOLS (LIST WITH EXAMPLES FROM TEXT)

#5 TONE (LIST WITH EXPLANATION/#5 TONE (LIST WITH

EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE)

EXAMPLE)

#3 PURPOSE

3

45

16

2

SESSION 11-SEPTEMBER 8 & SESSION 11-SEPTEMBER 8 & 99

Declaration of Independence

1. Listen to the Declaration of Independence

2. Loaded LanguageThe language of the Declaration was carefully chosen. Find examples of words Jefferson uses that are charged with emotion.

3. Looking Closely at One SectionAlthough this is an incredibly important document, the language is outdated. Your group must take one section and figure out the gist. You will write this as a text message that Jefferson could have sent. Texts are expensive, so you have only 25 “words” to text.

PreambleDeclaration of Rights

Charges Against the KingCriticism of British People

Conclusion

4. Discussion QuestionsWork with your partner to answer the questions. Be prepared to discuss in the full group.

Rhetoric and StyleRhetoric and Style

Identify each one of the truths.Identify each one of the rights.Identify the subject and predicate of the

first sentence.Identify the major assumption underlying

the first sentence. What is the rhetorical principle at work?

What effect does the phrase “self-evident” have in sentence 2? How does that phrase help support the speaker’s position?

Why does the speaker begin with an appeal to “respect” as a value before stating the claim?

Consider the speaker’s appeal to ethos, logos, and pathos. Identify and explain two for each.

Read carefully the second and third “truths.” At that time, was it a historical fact that the governments were instituted for the purpose the speaker states? What is the rhetorical purpose of such a statement?

Explain how the speaker uses facts to appeal to logos.

Explain the effect of the rhetorical parallelism with which Jefferson concludes the Declaration.

How does Jefferson explain the reason for a formal declaration of independence? Why do you think it was necessary for Jefferson to state the “causes which impel them to the separation”?

Is the Declaration of Independence a radical document? Explain.