Jefferson Personification Essay

1430 Words3 Pages

In the midst of oppression, our founding fathers were determined to find a way to build a country. A country that would stand for freedom for all, one where all people would be treated equal and have the right to secure their own future. The King of Great Britain had been ignoring the requests of the colonies over a extended period of time, as well as restricting their rights to the point that they had none. The colonies had no say about what laws were passed, and had no control over their own land legally. Great Britain continued to exploit the colonists and what they worked so hard for. Materials, labor, increased taxation, as well as using the colonist 's homes as a place for British troops to stay. The founding fathers were determined to …show more content…

In line twenty-two Jefferson explains how the British government has been "…deaf to the voice of justice…" (Kirszner 772). Obviously justice itself cannot speak, so this can be seen as personification. Jefferson uses this personification, because those who demand justice are usually crying out for it. Justice is something people today are still fighting for, and it is usually people with little power. The voice of justice can be heard in the reader 's head, the reader may think back to the last protest they saw or heard. Possibly, voices of the protestors fighting for justice may ring in the King 's head, and cause the King to have some sympathy. The voice of justice is usually a cry out for help, and this is why Jefferson uses personification in this particular …show more content…

The use of the rhetorical devices is also a great tool in persuading his audience. However, writing, no matter how strong, was not going to change the King 's mind. The King wanted complete control over the colonies and to exploit their commodities. Therefore, because the King was not persuaded, to let the colonies have their independence, Jefferson did not complete his purpose. Thomas Jefferson did not effectively persuade his audience that the colonies should become independent from Great Britain. However, the unintended audience is convinced that the colonies were right by establishing their independence. If the unintended audience did not think so, then America would not be recognized as a sovereign nation today. Thomas Jefferson tried to accomplish his purpose through the means of logical, emotional, and ethical appeals, as well as rhetorical devices including syntax, diction, parallelism, and personification. Thomas Jefferson drafted the oldest declarations in the world for a country, and choose every word purposefully. Our duty as American citizens is to uphold every one of those

Open Document