What is the Author arguing?
The arguments made in the Declaration of Independence can be interpreted as being taxation without representation and the fact that this practice was tyrannical. Americans felt they were not being represented in the British government and they resented the fact that they were being taxed without their consent. Another argument can be made that those that signed the document believed that all men were created equal by God and when born, were born with certain unalienable rights, those of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They believed that the governments were created to protect these rights and see them secure but the British government were in fact trying to take the rights away instead of protect them.
How does the author appeal to logos, pathos and ethos with their argument?
The author appeals to logic in the arguments made in that the issues he makes are made in a completely calm and rational manner, he didn't rant and rave about what needed to be done hysterically, he was professional and respectufl. The emotional quality in the argument comes from the words and how they are spoken. The imagery that is presented paints a picture for the Americans wanting to get out from British rule and allowed them to understand what he was saying as well as rise up and take control of their land. The writer's perceived character of the argument is kind of muddeled because it was re-worked mainly by Thomas Jefferson because of the relatively unkown status in the community of the original writer. I think though that the perceived character of the document as a whole can be seen in the words as having great character and the ability to use the words as a weapon instead of violence.
What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?
The significance of this document is that it basically gave women and those of different races later down the road in history a voice. It says all men are created equal and now women are treated the same as men and all races are equal. Without the presence of civil rights mentioned, those rights may not have come in to light and the world would be completely different. It gave voice to American colonists and led them to revolt against Britain and become their own world.
Do you find the author's argument convincing? why or why not?
I definately do find the arguments convincing. I think among many different reasons this document was the basic groundwork for civil rights and for the recognition of ALL people's unalienable rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I think that because this document was signed and presented it began to pave the way for those of different races and for females to be heard in our nation and continues to do so today.
