Rhetoric in the Declaration of Independence

Now we transition away from bourgeois tragic drama and towards declarations.  Dr. Jarratt introduces declarations as texts that serve to enact political bonds.  We read documents like this differently than we read stories.  Stories we read as literature whereas declarations must be examined rhetorically.  Rhetoric is the study of how we use language to persuade.  This can include logic, but also emotional appeal.  Dr. Jarratt wants us to think of rhetoric as the study of how we do things with words.

Before we discuss the details of the Declaration of Independence, we should think about the history before this time.  The 18th century was a time of great political change.  John Locke is credited for being the grandfather of social contract theory, which is the view that governments are formed when groups of rational individuals decide to join together for mutual benefit.  This was a move away from monarchy, where kings claimed to have political power granted to them by divine right.  The 18th century saw the rise of a public sphere, where people from different classes could join together and discuss public issues.  It was also a time of great economic disparity between the aristocratic class and the lower working class.  

Now let's consider the organization of the Declaration.  First, we begin with a general description of the current political situation and the way in which this group of individuals was unified in the fight against being subordinated by the King of England.  Second, the author introduces the basic principles, or warrants, that ground the rest of the argument: these self-evident truths such as all men being created equal to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Third, the author provides factual support for grievances against the King of England  Fourth, the reader is introduced to the background of the conflict (petitions, warnings, appeals and finally separation).  This reminds us that there were attempts to solve this conflict in other ways.  Fifth, the author concludes with a firm declaration of independence.    

How are we to understand these unalienable rights, or self evidence truths, such as all have the right to a pursuit of happiness?  What kind of notion of happiness did the authors intend to use?  In the 18th century, happiness was something that is based on virtue and excellence of character.  One could only be happy if one had cultivated an intellectual nature moral judgment.  Happiness only comes about after working hard on yourself to be an altruistic and public-oriented individual.  

One important detail about the language used in the text is that when we look at different drafts of the text, Jefferson first refers to his peers as fellow subjects, but then later introduces the word "citizen".  

Note, however, that many people are not considered under this declaration: Native Americans, African slaves or any women.  Indeed, an earlier draft by Jefferson included admonishments against George III for the slave trade.  These criticisms against the slave trade were later taken out.