Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality is a close analysis by Danielle S. Allen, arguing that the Declaration is fundamentally about equality. By combining personal narrative, rigorous analysis, and metaphoric explanations, Allen emphasizes the collaborative “democratic writing” of the Declaration and the importance of equality in participating in shared institutions. The work also examines morality, truth, and the historical context of its creation by individuals who were also slave-owners.

Danielle S. Allen's Our Declaration offers a profound reinterpretation of the Declaration of Independence, praised for its accessibility and fresh perspective. While some critics find its approach repetitive and overly detailed, overall, it is lauded for making historical analysis engaging and relevant.

A reader who appreciates deep dives into historical texts, particularly those with a focus on democracy and equality, would enjoy Danielle S. Allen's Our Declaration. Ideal for fans of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Jill Lepore's These Truths, this book balances scholarly analysis with accessible prose.

Informative / Inspirational / Contemplative / Hopeful

- Our Declaration by Danielle S. Allen is a unique blend of political philosophy and personal memoir, as Allen draws upon her experiences to illuminate the continued relevance of the Declaration of Independence.
- Danielle Allen, a renowned political theorist, wrote Our Declaration after engaging in discussions with her adult evening class students about the meaning and implications of the Declaration of Independence.
- The book received significant acclaim, earning the Zócalo Book Prize in 2015 for its insightful examination and reinterpretation of one of America’s foundational texts.

**Danielle Allen**  
A political philosopher and classicist who examines the Declaration of Independence through the lens of equality and analyzes its significance in relation to her own African American heritage and experiences. She explores the collaborative nature of the document and its implications for human society.

**Thomas Jefferson**  
A leading figure in drafting the Declaration of Independence, recognized for his writing and intellectual contributions, though he was just one part of a larger committee. Jefferson's role as an enslaver and his relationship with Sally Hemings present complex moral questions for interpreters of the Declaration.

**John Adams**  
An influential delegate to the Continental Congress from Massachusetts and the second U.S. president, who corresponded prolifically and contributed to the intellectual and political groundwork for independence. His collaboration with Jefferson highlights the communal aspect of crafting the Declaration.

**Richard Henry Lee**  
A Virginian statesman who played a pivotal role in the drive for independence by proposing the motion for separation from Britain during the Continental Congress. He was instrumental in dialogues that shaped revolutionary thought.

**Benjamin Franklin**  
A delegate and diplomat from Pennsylvania who helped edit the Declaration of Independence. Franklin’s involvement reflects his significant role in the collaborative drafting process of the document.

**Timothy Matlack**  
A proponent of independence and secretary during the Continental Congress who inscribed the formal Declaration on parchment. His editorial input, particularly in punctuation, affected the document's interpretation.

**Mary Katherine Goddard**  
A Maryland printer responsible for distributing printed copies of the Declaration, whose editorial decisions, such as capitalizing religious references, influenced how the document was read.

**George III of England**  
The British monarch whose rule and actions towards the American colonies were central issues prompting the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the list of grievances within.

**John Locke**  
A 17th-century British philosopher whose ideas about government, rights, and human potential influenced the Founding Fathers and are discussed in the analysis of the Declaration’s themes.

Danielle S. Allen

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Before You Read

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Before You Read Our Declaration | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Our Declaration and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Our Declaration Summary and Study Guide

Background

Our Declaration Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Origin”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Our Declaration Prologue-Part 1, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Our Declaration Part 1, Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Who Wrote the Declaration of Independence?”

Part 2, Chapters 5-9

Our Declaration Part 2, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Art of Democratic Writing”

Part 3, Chapters 10-13

Our Declaration Part 3, Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Reading the Course of Events”

Part 4, Chapters 14-18

Our Declaration Part 4, Chapters 14-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 19-22

Our Declaration Part 5, Chapters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Matters of Principle”

Part 6, Chapters 23-26

Our Declaration Part 6, Chapters 23-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 27-31

Our Declaration Part 6, Chapters 27-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Matters of Fact”

Part 7, Chapters 32-35

Our Declaration Part 7, Chapters 32-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 7, Chapters 36-40

Our Declaration Part 7, Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 7, Chapters 41-45

Our Declaration Part 7, Chapters 41-45 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “Drawing Conclusions”

Part 8, Chapter 46-Epilogue

Our Declaration Part 8, Chapter 46-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Our Declaration Key Figures

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Themes

Our Declaration Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Our Declaration Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Our Declaration Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Our Declaration Essay Topics

Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality

Before You Read

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