Tuesday, November 4, 2008

text analysis #2

--Who is writing?
The writers are the colonists of all colonies
“We, your Majesty's faithful subjects of the colonies new Hampshire, Massachusetts bay, Rhode island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, in behalf of ourselves, and the inhabitants of these colonies, who have deputed us to represent them in general Congress, entreat your Majesty's gracious attention to this our humble petition.”

--Who is the audience?
The Audience is the King’s most excellent majesty
“To the King's most excellent Majesty:
--Who do the writers represent?
The writers represent the colonists in America.
--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
The colonists are telling the King that they have gone against their wills. Their common wills that have to fight against the King and his soldiers. The colonists feel like they have to protect themselves from Britain. This is ridiculous because Britain is their ancestry and founding country.
“Your Majesty's Ministers, persevering in their measures, and proceeding to open hostilities for enforcing them, have compelled us to arm in our own defense,”

--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
They show the king much respect. They address him with humbleness and dignity
“We beg leave further to assure your Majesty, that notwithstanding the sufferings of your loyal colonists, during the course of the present controversy, our breasts retain too tender a regard for the kingdom from which we derive our origin, to request such a reconciliation as might in any manner be inconsistent with her dignity or her welfare.”

--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
They address the king in letter formation. It is a large letter that is polite yet strong in what they are asking from the king.

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