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Interesting facts about the signature of John Hancock and the signing of the Declaration of Independence

The Signature of John Hancock

The signature of John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence is the subject of much debate. The following images show a close-up the signature of John Hancock and the size, proportion and position of the signature of John Hancock in relation to all the other signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Note that the signature of John Hancock is the top and center of the signatures and stands out as being big, bold and brave. John Hancock was 39 years old when he signed the Declaration of Independence.

Signatures on the Declaration of Independence	Signature of John Hancock

Signing the Declaration of Independence - the Signature of John Hancock
Signing the Declaration of Independence was a very risky undertaking. The signature of John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence betrays none of the doubts which would have perhaps would have dogged some other men.

• Signing the Declaration of Independence was extremely dangerous - a treasonable act, punishable by death
• Congress initially kept the names of the signatories secret to protect them from charges of treason

The Signature of John Hancock - Characteristics
A person's handwriting and its placing on the page express the impulses and characteristics of the individual. The following observations offer some facts and points of debate about the style of writing and signature of John Hancock and some possible answers

• John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence - look at the position of his signature and the size of the signature in relation to all of the other signatures
• His signature is the largest
  • Indicates importance, confidence and creates a solid, authoritative, big impression, an extrovert, generous
  • A person who has a high level of self-esteem, not in the least humble
  • Large writing with firm pressure indicates ambition and dominance
• His signature is elaborate and ornate
  • An ornate signature equates to be being somewhat ostentatious
  • The writer intends to invite flattery or praise
• His signature is the boldest and most prominent

• Indicates a flair for the dramatic

• His signature is underlined with a flourish
  • Those who emphasize their signature with a flourish are underling their importance - a man of standing, someone who demands and expects attention An indication of pride and self confidence
• His signature sits directly under the text of the Declaration of Independence
  • Links himself irrefutably with the text of the document
• His signature sits in the center of the Declaration of Independence
  • This conveys optimism
• His signature has a right slant
  • A right slant indicates an extrovert, expressive and sympathetic character. Right slant writers, like John Hancock, are open to new ideas and enjoy socializing with other people

Points of Debate about the Signature of John Hancock
Many of the above interpretations do seem to characterize some of the personality traits of John Hancock. But what was he also trying to convey with the signature of John Hancock? The following are  only theories but are interesting points of debate.

• John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and as such was leading the way for the other men who were to sign the document
• Perhaps he was conveying confidence to his fellow signatories
• The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a courageous act - John Hancock was not 'shying away' from the risks and responsibility. He was making a stand and showing great courage and confidence
• It was a defiant act and one he clearly believed in - he was putting his life on the line
• This was a man who knew that he was making history and forever changing the government of America

Declaration of Independence

The John Hancock

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