The Declaration of Independence

Pages 112-115

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A Piece of Literature

• While the Declaration is a historical document, it is also a piece of literature.

• What genre is it?

• What type of writing is it?

The Declaration of Independence

Persuasive Writing

• Thesis – when a government fails, people have the right to

establish a new one

• Support – offers idea of human rights– a list of grievances against King George and the

British government

• Conclusion– Therefore, we are declaring ourselves an independent

country

A National Treasure

Lofty Language

• Why does Jefferson use such elevated language?

• Who is his intended audience?

Credits

• John Trumbull's painting Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 comes from http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/

• Movie clip from A National Treasure (2004)