Student Question
What evidence suggests Jefferson intended the Declaration to be read aloud?
Quick answer:
We know that Jefferson intended the Declaration of Independence to be read aloud because of his use of short phrases and deliberate rhythm. Most of the document was written in concise sentences that could be easily read aloud by any orator. There is also a particular buildup in intensity in the text that is most effective when read aloud.
Even though Jefferson did not specifically write that the Declaration of Independence was to be read aloud, the way he structured his argument implies this. There is a great deal of evidence to support this, and I will provide some of it to help get you started.
One of the details that tells us the document was to be read aloud is the length of the phrases. For example, consider the following section:
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.
In the above section, we see many short phrases and sentences. For instance, it is likely that a speaker would take a pause for breath after the word “Oppressions” and before the word “We.” If Jefferson did not mean for this Declaration to be spoken, he would have connected the ideas...
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with more detailed phrasing. Instead, this structure allows for any level of orator to read it.
Jefferson also wrote the document so that the tone builds up in its intensity. He did this because he intended for his work to be read aloud throughout all the colonies. This is also one of the reasons why it was important that the language was accessible to all orators. For example, consider the contrast between the calm beginning section and the impassioned list of grievances against the king.
The beginning of the document reads,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another.
And a portion of the grievances reads,
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury.
The beginning of the document is a concise overview of the reasons for the Declaration. But then, the list of problems with the King has a rhythmic quality and a frustrated tone. Jefferson uses the repetition of the word “for” to emphasize the anger of the colonies. Yet the repetition does not have the same effect read silently as it does read aloud. Reading this text aloud allows for listeners to really notice the repetition and recognize how many bad things the king has done.
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