Jefferson consistently uses the juxtaposition of freedom and tyranny throughout the Declaration of Independence. King George and Parliament represent tyranny, while the people of America represent freedom. Jefferson compares the two, sometimes directly, sometimes by implication, as a way of illustrating the colonies' justification for their declaration.
Freedom also comes into play in a more literal sense, since the document serves to give the colonies' legal freedom from their former rulers. More significantly, Jefferson's device of comparing the two opposing ideas emphasizes the differences between the colonies and Britain, as if to say that the colonies are independent regardless of their official status.
Questions About Freedom, Independence, and Tyranny
- What are Jefferson's (and Congress') definitions of "freedom" and "tyranny"? Would they be the same if the Declaration were written today?
- How is the use of the contrasting themes of freedom and tyranny influenced by the events leading up to independence?
- Does Jefferson make a more convincing argument about the existence of freedom or tyranny?
- What "big picture" implications could (or did) Jefferson's use of this theme have in the world? Was it reflected in other nations' independence movements?
Chew on This
Although Jefferson provides many examples of the tyranny of the British, he doesn't fully explain how the United States will provide an alternative (freer) method of government.
The primary reason Jefferson leans on the freedom vs. tyranny theme is more rhetorical than logical. He is using the juxtaposition as a device to convince people to support an independent America.