Rhetorical Analysis Comparison: Jefferson Vs. Stanton
Krystal Coleman
Professor Robin Siczek
English 112
10 June 2014
Rhetorical Analysis Comparison: Jefferson and Stanton
Jefferson begins by stating that when one decides that it is time to break political connections with another body that they should declare what compels them to the separation (Jefferson 1). Stanton begins almost identically by using Jefferson’s model and declaring that when women feel that they are not being given their god given position on earth, they are compelled to state why they feel that way (Stanton 1). The target audience that Jefferson was aiming for were residents of the colonial states in the mid-18th century, this is apparent by Jefferson calling the King of Great Britain a tyrant (Jefferson 1). He then begins
to refer to all of the transgressions the king has committed toward the states, which were apparent to residents of the states during that time period. The audiences that Stanton wrote her declaration towards were women in the 19th century, who lived through all of the inequalities between men and women. Both writers use repetition to continuously force their argument to their audience. They organize their argument by stating in the beginning what they believe in (independence from Britain and women’s rights respectively) and then hammering home the point by repetitively saying how “he” wronged them. Jefferson explains how the King of Britain “has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good” (2). Then goes on to list other wrong doings from the King toward the colonial states. Stanton follows this same model by stating how men have made it imbalanced for women and have “deprived her of all rights as a married woman” (2). Both Jefferson and Stanton wait until the end of their declarations for their thesis statements. This is a good rhetoric tactic because they have proven their point throughout the whole declaration stating facts that their audience wants to hear; then at the end they both provide a clear-cut solution. Jefferson wants independence from Britain while Stanton wants equal rights for men and women. Overall Stanton’s article is effective by using Jefferson’s model to systematically convey her point of view on women’s rights to her target audience.
Professor Robin Siczek
English 112
10 June 2014
Rhetorical Analysis Comparison: Jefferson and Stanton
Jefferson begins by stating that when one decides that it is time to break political connections with another body that they should declare what compels them to the separation (Jefferson 1). Stanton begins almost identically by using Jefferson’s model and declaring that when women feel that they are not being given their god given position on earth, they are compelled to state why they feel that way (Stanton 1). The target audience that Jefferson was aiming for were residents of the colonial states in the mid-18th century, this is apparent by Jefferson calling the King of Great Britain a tyrant (Jefferson 1). He then begins
to refer to all of the transgressions the king has committed toward the states, which were apparent to residents of the states during that time period. The audiences that Stanton wrote her declaration towards were women in the 19th century, who lived through all of the inequalities between men and women. Both writers use repetition to continuously force their argument to their audience. They organize their argument by stating in the beginning what they believe in (independence from Britain and women’s rights respectively) and then hammering home the point by repetitively saying how “he” wronged them. Jefferson explains how the King of Britain “has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good” (2). Then goes on to list other wrong doings from the King toward the colonial states. Stanton follows this same model by stating how men have made it imbalanced for women and have “deprived her of all rights as a married woman” (2). Both Jefferson and Stanton wait until the end of their declarations for their thesis statements. This is a good rhetoric tactic because they have proven their point throughout the whole declaration stating facts that their audience wants to hear; then at the end they both provide a clear-cut solution. Jefferson wants independence from Britain while Stanton wants equal rights for men and women. Overall Stanton’s article is effective by using Jefferson’s model to systematically convey her point of view on women’s rights to her target audience.