Repition in the Declaration of Independence

Repetition in "The Declaration of Independence"

Thomas Jefferson used various techniques in writing "The Declaration of Independence." He was very careful about what he wrote, which turned out well for him, because the outcome was tremendous. With his use of repetition, Jefferson caught the eyes and ears of many Americans and emphasized his opinion about the government. Jefferson started by explaining the rights that all men have: "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." These rights are presented to man when they are born, and should be used to control their government and abolish any governments that try to obstruct these rights. Jefferson follows this statement by repeating the word he, which refers to the executive, judicial and legislative powers of the government. Jefferson told how "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most . . . necessary for the public Good," and how "He send hither Swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out their Substance." He comments on the destructive government and how the rights of the people were demolished because of this government. People should have the right to express their opinions and feelings and should not be controlled by a few people in power. Jefferson suddenly shifts from referring to he as the government, to King George the third. He attacks King George the third, by discussing how "He plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People." Jefferson basically is disgusted with this man and scrutinizes everything that he does. By repeating the word he, Jefferson asserts his opinions on the government and the king's ways, and by taking a stand with the other fifty-five people who signed, he took a stand for his country and helped to progress the government.