Declaration of Independence, July 4th 1776 Text Analysis

Who is writing?

-This document was the product of the collaboration between the representatives of the colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Including John Hancock who was the president/leader of this development, there were 57 representatives.

Who is the audience?

-The audience to who this audience pertains mainly is to the British legislation and Parliament but it is also relevant to the citizen of Britain and the Colonial citizens of America.

-Who do the writers represent?

-The authors of this document represent the United Colonies and all the American citizens.

-What is being said, argued or requested?

-This document outlines the mistakes and faults of King Charles III and makes an emphasis on the fact that separation from the British Legislation is inevitable. The United Colonies of America have attempted to be reasonable, but their petitions and efforts were rejected and countered with ignorance from the British legislation. In effort to avoid the dilemmas that the British were forced to undergo they have chosen to establish a new form of government where the people’s voice rules and without a king who has the power to dictate enforce strict tyranny. The authors of this document state that, the United Colonies of America “are, and of right ought to be FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES”, and also that fact that they are absolving themselves from allegiance and all political connection from the British Crown.

-How is it being said, argued and or requested?

-The tone of this document is obviously formal, written with respect to the audience, but it also incorporates a certain boldness and confidence in the message. Although some of these authors may be somewhat hesitant to signing this document, they realize that they really have no choice in this.

-What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?

-The reason for this declaration is stated and emphasized in the mistreatments and faults of Charles the III as a king/leader, but also that separation is inevitable because the king refuses to accept the United Colonies of America as free and separate entities, and has ignored any requests and petitions sent out.