Elegant, If Sometimes Wordy

Writing styles in the 18th century were very different then they are today, which accounts for some of the traits of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. If you were to look at Thomas Paine's Common Sense, you'd see similar types of sentence structure and vocabulary there, even though it's a pamphlet written for the masses.

It's just how things were back then.

Pretty Bare-Bones, By 18th-Century Standards

Although the Declaration might seem wordy, it could be a lot worse. In fact, one scholar says that the second paragraph "capsulizes in five sentences…what it took John Locke thousands of words to explain in his Second Treatise of Government." (Source)

He's not wrong about that, although compared to today's style of writing, Jefferson seems to use advanced vocabulary and sometimes lengthy sentences to express some fairly straightforward ideas.

Take the first line, for example (which is, in fact, a paragraph…):

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 to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. (1)

What is Jefferson saying here? When a group of people need to separate themselves and become an independent and equal nation, courtesy says that they should explain why they're doing it. Bam. No frills (sort of).

Jefferson's version isn't super-convoluted or difficult to understand, but it takes up a whole paragraph. Plus, it includes fun phrases like "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind," which are a fancy way of saying something simple.

However, Jefferson's phrases don't feel like he's being wordy for the sake of wordiness. There are definitely writers that do that, who you will encounter eventually, so get excited. T.J.'s writing sounds eloquent and intelligent, and therefore commanding of respect.

Think about who he's writing for. Jazzing up the sentences with some dignified vocabulary and ideas might give the impression that your country is as advanced and worthy of self-governing as the country from which it's trying to escape. Jefferson doesn't go for violent passion or hilarious wit; he maintains a restrained elegance in his sentences.

Drama-Rama

That being said, another effect of Jefferson's elevated style of writing is, conversely, to add a touch of drama. Of course, it's never just one thing or the other—that would take all the fun out of studying history.

Take this paragraph, for example:

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. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. (38-39)

Jefferson uses phrases like "most humble terms" and "repeated injury" to add emphasis to what could be a dry government document. He reinforces sympathy towards the cause of the colonists, and antagonism towards the British, through (probably) carefully chosen adjectives and nouns to enhance the story he's telling.

Overall, Jefferson's writing style in the Declaration of Independence elegant, if a little wordy at times. He takes the opportunity to add a bit of flair and drama without going into a rant or soliloquy, but also turns a fairly simple statement ("We're declaring independence, y'all") into an extraordinary text.