Clearly, one of the most important texts in American culture is the Declaration of Independence. In this exercise, students will close-read a key sentence in Jefferson's words and analyze the implications of Jefferson's diction in this document.
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7A. Explain how word choice, comparisons, and syntax contribute to the specific tone or style of a text.
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The first sentence below presents a key moment in the Declaration of Independence. In declaring independence from Britain, Jefferson was well aware that he was--if we can use a 21st-century metaphor here--setting out the DNA of the new nation's government and basic political philosophy. Your job will be to read that key sentence and compile or discuss answers to the questions being asked about the diction and its implications.
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We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
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Diction Choice
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Questions for Analysis and Close Reading
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We
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Hold these truths
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To be self-evident
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That all men are created equal
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That they are endowed
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By their Creator
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With certain inalienable rights
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That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
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That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men
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Deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
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