Question

Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Which statement best describes the use of rhetorical appeals in the excerpt?

The excerpt relies on pathos by offering high praise to the document’s authors.
The excerpt relies on pathos by making strong emotional claims.
The excerpt relies on logos by referencing other historical texts.
The excerpt relies on logos by explaining the reasoning behind the document.

Answer 1

The excerpt relies on pathos by making strong emotional claims.

Explanation: The pledge of "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor" and the appeal to "Divine Providence" are emotionally charged to inspire commitment and unity, rather than presenting logical reasons or referencing other texts.