People don't really talk about the giant list that Jefferson includes in the Declaration of Independence. Somehow, lines like "For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us" (23) just don't get as much love or space on souvenir coffee mugs as "all men are created equal" (2). The poor list just gets ignored in the face of all that inspirational rhetoric about humanity.

But why is it there? Why did Jefferson devote nearly half of that parchment to this list? Well, take a look at it, or think about the time when you first read (actually read) the Declaration. Perhaps you gazed upon the list in horror, seeing how many lines there were. Perhaps you tried valiantly to make it through, only to have your eyes glaze over halfway through. Perhaps you thought it was fascinating.

Here's the thing: any of those reactions actually helps Jefferson's cause.

If Jefferson and company wanted to show that the British had abused their power, this is the moment (admittedly a lengthy "moment") where he backs up that claim like nobody's business. The reader is overwhelmed (or, if you're lucky, engrossed and illuminated) by the multitude of dastardly offences.

How can you side with the British, seeing all the terrible things they've done? Those things are so numerous; the reader doesn't even want to deal with all the details. By adding such a long list, Jefferson proves his point by presenting lots of evidence, while hitting home the idea that the abuse was so great, the reader may not even be able to handle the reality of it.