Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Back then, English was different than modern time. Reading the Declaration of Independence now is difficult for some people. Thomas Jefferson does not follow Joseph William’s golden rule of “[writing] to others as you would have others write to you” (Williams 132). In the article, “Politics and the English Language,” by George Orwell, Jefferson’s writing style contradicts Orwell’s advice. Although he does not necessarily follow all the rules of the “golden rule” in writing, he does have some good stylistic tools of a good writer. It is very difficult for some readers and he uses large words that are hard to understand.
Sentences like the opening line of the Declaration of Independence simply do not occur in conversation. “When in the Course of human Events it becomes necessary for a People to advance from that Subordination, in which they have hitherto remained and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the equal and independent Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes, which impell them to the Change (First Draft page 3).”
This is sentences is an example because he uses long, complex sentences, which makes it seem difficult to read. Thomas Jefferson does not follow the “golden rule” of writing, but he does have some good stylistic tools he uses to better himself as a writer, and to make it easier for the King and the rest of the world to understand. For an example, The writer has used antithesis, linguistic patterns, amd rhythm writing structure as stylistic devices to convince the reader that there is need to be united since all people are equal in the eyes of God. He uses rhythm to emphasize his points he’s trying to make.
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Rhythm’s purpose is to create a memorable pattern for the readers. It is much easier to remember if there is a pattern. Rhythm is used through repetition of phrases to create linguistic patterns. For example, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator” (Declaration of Independence page 9) repeats a linguistic pattern. “That all men are created” and “that they are endowed” have the same linguistic pattern. Another stylistic tool Jefferson uses is antithesis.
Antithesis is the comparison of two contrasting ideas in the same sentence. It has been used all throughout the text of the Declaration of Independence. For an example, the sentence: “…it becomes necessary for people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them…(Reported Draft page 6)” uses antithesis. This sentences hints that people are suppose to be united, but instead it has become necessary for them to stand alone.
The sentence also shows that even though men feel independent by cutting the economical ties that bring them together, they serve one God who has designated for them to be together. This is relevant in the Declaration of Independence as it shows the readers that people are not different and can achieve great things. In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson used these specific stylistic devices to help the shape the text and perception of the reader, by delivering intended the message clearly.
