Comparison of Jefferson to Winthrop

The essay following will look at the similarities and differences in the language, style and structure of Thomas Jefferson’s American Declaration of Independence with that of John Winthrop’s Model of Christian Charity. The essay will expose the type of language used and how the language and vocabulary contribute to the effectiveness of each document.

Its solemn and dignified tone, its graceful and unhurried cadence, its symmetry, energy, and confidence, its combination of logical structure and dramatic appeal, its adroit use of nuance and implication all contribute to its rhetorical power. And all help to explain why the Declaration remains one of the handful of American political documents that, in addition to meeting the immediate needs of the moment, continues to enjoy a lustrous literary reputation. (Lucas 1989:7)

As this quote suggests, the Declaration of Independence is a masterful document written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. When the thirteen colonies of British North America decided to seek their independence from England, Thomas Jefferson was called on to draft a Declaration of Independence which was to be presented to the King George III. Although being known as the author of the Declaration of Independence, Jeffe

. . .

View the whole essay, without interruption

When read, the passage creates a building sense of importance to the final point. The lord will be our god, and delight to dwell among us as his own people, and will command a blessing upon us in all our ways.

Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia in 1743 and grew up on his family plantation in Albermarle County. In such interpretation, the original phenomenon was considered the ‘type’ and the later ‘antitype’.

As an overall comparison of the two documents, the Declaration of Independence is a record of the life of a nation; it shows the history of the united colonies which has brought them to the point of seeking independence. Winthrop’s Model of Christian Charity is a prediction or vision for the life of a future colony. Winthrop however, uses a multiple question and answer style, while Jefferson uses his whole document as an argument for independence.

Both Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence and Winthrop’s Model of Christian Charity are wonderful examples of puritan style writing. The opening phrase –“to prove this” – indicates the “facts” to follow will indeed prove that George III is a tyrant. As Lucas confirms:

This sentence is so innocuous one can easily overlook its artistry and importance. In this case the lines start with the word ‘that’ which is used to build up the gravity of what is being said and again, puts an emphasis on the final point.

Jefferson too had a very structured style to his Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson too chose words and vocabulary which would appeal to his audience, although his audience was much larger and varied. Winthrop told his followers that if they worked together and obeyed the commandments given to them, God would bless their new colony and they would prosper. As our ENG361 Study Guide explains, “Signs and events in the Old Testament were considered as foreshadowing events and people in the New Testament.

Approximate Word count = 2161
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)

Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.