Reading Davidson and Lytle's article "Declaring Independence" really helped me start to understand the document. Since it is a pretty short document and to-the-point, I was tempted at first to just gloss over it. There really is a lot in there, and many ways to look at it.
These authors suggest reading the document, or any document really, several times in order to understand it in different ways. First, they suggest a first run-through. This is when you get an overall idea of what the document is about. Look for surface content, or the basic facts in the document. Also note the structure, how it's laid out and broken up into separate paragraphs.
After studying what is said, consider what is not said. What details are not included? Why is there only one author and not several? What grievances might the colonists have against the British king that aren't mentioned in the declaration? Does that make their argument stronger or weaker? Are there any grievances that the King would have against the colonies that would weaken their argument?
Next it's helpful to look at the context of when the declaration was written and how it works for a particular social situation. Are more than one audience addressed? At some points it seems like the colonists themselves are the audience, and at other times Britain and other countries. Did the authors and contributors exaggerate certain points to strengthen their argument? It that moral or right? Why have other peoples used the declaration as a blueprint for writing their own declaration? History repeats itself, and people continue to be oppressed, to rebel, and to declare independence. Maybe the declaration of independence is a universal document whose basic principles can be applied to any group of people. People have interpreted the document as both a historical work and as a source of strength.
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