Final answer:
The rhetorical device where the author follows by a verb over and over again is known as anaphora, a type of repetition that emphasizes a point by using the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the author of the Declaration of Independence uses a verb repeatedly, the rhetorical device being employed is anaphora. Anaphora is a specific type of repetition characterized by the successive use of the same word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences, to emphasize a point. Although repetition in general can occur anywhere in a text and can refer to a motif or theme that recurs, anaphora is a deliberate device used to create rhythm and bring attention to an idea.
Rhetorical Devices and Their Functions
Repetition is a broad rhetorical technique used to emphasize key themes or ideas by repeating a word or phrase. Its use is strategic, often providing rhythm and making the text more memorable. Parallelism involves the use of consistent grammatical structures to add clarity and balance to writing. Together, anaphora and parallelism can provide significant emphasis and structure to a text.
Anaphora, on the other hand, adds dramatic emphasis and is often found in speeches and persuasive writings. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech famously employs anaphora with the recurring start of 'I have a dream' to each successive statement.