Persuasion Compare the Style and Persuasion Methods

¶ … Persuasion

Compare the style and persuasion methods of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence with Paine's Crisis essay. Why does Jefferson advocate that natural aristocrats would make the best leaders?

During the American Revolution, both Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson delivered similar kinds of messages (i.e. freedom from tyranny and oppression). While the two were similar, the audiences are much different. This is because both works were intended to sway the opinions of different demographics. In the case of Thomas Paine, his essay was focused on reaching out to colonists that were living in America. At the heart of his message, is to question why everyone is accepting this kind of situation. When in reality, everyone should standup for their rights and demand their basic freedoms from England. ("Declaration and Crisis," 2010)

While Thomas Jefferson, was writing directly to: the King of England and the members of Parliament. In his message, he wanted the political aristocracy in England to know that their laws and actions were unacceptable. Moreover, he believed that the King and Parliament did not care about what happened in America. This is when he announced, that a new country was being formed which will address these concerns. Both documents are showing how the audiences were completely different. Paine wanted to build support for independence with the colonists. Whereas, Jefferson was informing the King about how their actions are contributing to the colonists no longer willing to remain under England's control. ("Declaration and Crisis," 2010)

As a result, the vocabulary that was used is different in how it is influencing the audience. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson is using more sophisticated words to reach out to his target audience. This is designed to have the greatest emotional impact upon them. A good example of this can be seen with the word unalienable. This is an adjective that means something which cannot be taken away. In the document, Jefferson is using this word to show how the King cannot take away certain rights that are given to everyone by God. This is supposed to direct anger and animosity at the King by questioning his authority. ("Declaration and Crisis," 2010)

Thomas Paine is using more simple words to reach out to a larger audience. This is designed to create fear and panic about the current situation that was occurring with the British. Evidence of this can be seen with the word infidels. This is an adjective designed to describe an individual who has no religion. The use of this word is showing how the British are: unemotional, godless and bent on destroying the American way of life. This created outrage in among colonists that was directed at the English and the policies they imposed. ("Declaration and Crisis," 2010)

The reason why Jefferson is advocating natural aristocrats is because he believes that these are the best leaders. These are individuals who have worked their way up through society to achieve a certain status in life. According to Jefferson, natural aristocrats have more respect for the laws of God and addressing the needs of citizens. This makes them better leaders, who are more responsive to issues that are most important to the general public. ("The Natural Aristocracy," 2011)