The Declaration of Independence,
formally declared in July of 1776 by Thomas Jefferson, successfully declares
the United States beliefs and justification in rebellion against King George
III of England. Jefferson does so in a
way that is so effective due to the speech’s overall structure. He begins with a preamble, describing the
context of the declaration that is to follow.
He then declares what he considers to be “self-evident truths” which he
insists should always have the support and security of the government. The idea of “unalienable rights” and “Life,
Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” act as an umbrella for the rest of the
declaration. He then states that “…whenever
any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of
the People to alter or to abolish it… (120)”
Jefferson then goes on to list
the United States’ grievances against King George. He does so to capture the attention of every
audience member by stating that their current state is indeed, unfair. He then goes on to state that the United
States has required to speak and be heard, but their voices have just not been
listened to. He then restates his and
the rest of the country’s desire to formally rebel. By using this format Jefferson is able to
effectively receive the attention and cooperation he requests.
Due to the success of Thomas
Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, a woman named Elizabeth Cady Stanton
almost duplicates his format in her Declaration of Sentiments. The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 brings
about this speech regarding the equality and rights of women. To begin, Stanton summarizes the situation
that the women of this convention are undergoing. She initiates her own declaration with the
phrase, “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men and women are
created equal… (123)” The use of this
quote with the addition to the word “women” formalizes her speech and
introduces her almost feministic tone.
She speaks on behalf for the women, who believe that they should be just
as equal and have just as many rights as the men.
Stanton then lists women’s’ grievances
against society and the power of men.
Some examples are as follows:
“He has made her, if married, in
the eye of law, civilly dead.”
Women do not have nearly as many
rights as the men do and it is the social norm for men to deprive her of all
individual voice and opinion.
“…if single, and the owner of
property, he has taxes her to support a government which recognizes her only
when her property can be made profitable to it.”
If the owner of property, men have
the right to tax her. In the eyes of
government, she is only seemed to be important if she owns this property and
pays these taxes.
Stanton then goes on to declare
that just as men in the Declaration of Independence, the women are asking for
their voice to be heard and they feel they have every right to do so. If they are not able to receive this equality
that they desire then they feel as though they also have the right to rebel,
regardless of what the men in power may say.
Just as Jefferson does, Stanton calls to action the women of the
convention. If change is to be made, it
must not be shied away from and if the resort is rebellion, then they shall
rebel.
The stylistic choices and
formation of structure is very similar of these two pieces of Old English
literature. Both were written for formal
events intended to have an audience and both are for a movement of desire for
change. Both authors are very brave and
opinionated but ready to lead even if it may call for danger. Their speeches were written in an effective
way that captured both the consideration and support of the audience members.
