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Rhetorical Analysis Of Letter By Benjamin Banneker

As the son of two former slaves, Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson to end slavery in the United States. The letter was written in 1791 and argues that his “brethren” need to be freed just like Jefferson and the other founding fathers envisioned for the rest of the country. Banneker shows that he will provide any argument, and expose every angle he possibly can to extinguish slavery . He uses a plethora of rhetorical devices to achieve this goal, such as allusion and analogy. In the first fourteen lines of his letter, Banneker describes the intention of freedom for the colonies. He uses it as an analogy for how slaves are feeling the same longing for freedom that colonists did not twenty years prior. He also use words like

Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter

Slavery was a hard topic in America. Still is. Benjamin Banneker a decedent of former slaves,a farmer,mathematician, astronomer, author, and surveyor, was brave enough to write to Thomas Jefferson about his views on slavery. Banneker uses various rhetorical and literary techniques throughout his letter to persuade Jefferson to his own views.

Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker Letter

The speaker, Benjamin Banneker, in his letter, describes the situation of the slaves and argues why he opposes it. Banneker’s purpose is to argue that slaves need their natural rights and liberties just like any other human because they are equal. During that time in the 1790’s there were many rural and urban slaves working in plantations and farms as field labors, maids, etc. They didn’t have any fair treatment or were paid, instead they were treated like animals without liberties. He adopts a disturbed tone in order to describe the horrendous treatment the slaves received to prove and discuss that to Jefferson.

Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker had ancestors that were slaves, so he felt he needed to show how cruel slavery is. Banneker wrote this letter to convey his message to Thomas Jefferson, secretary of state. Banneker utilizes rhetorical devices and rhetorical appeals to argue against slavery. Banneker presents repetition when saying, "Sir” to show respect toward Jefferson, despite disagreeing with the secretary of state’s views. "You" is repeated to keep the matters personal.

How Does Benjamin Banneker Use Ethos In Declaration Of Independence

In 1791, the multi-skilled and intelligent Benjamin Benneker wrote to Declaration of Independence framer Thomas Jefferson arguing against the existence of slavery in the United States. The work, containing descriptions of the mental and physical fight of slavery to excerpts of distinguished texts, connects to establish a strong argument for the anti-slavery cause. Throughout the essay, Benjamin Banneker uses pathos, examples, and allusions to press Thomas Jefferson into sympathizing and empathizing with the injustices of slavery. Banneker utilizes examples to persuade and influence Jefferson. He recalls the tyrannical rule of the British Crown and the constrictive orders and imminent dangers that were endured during the American Revolution (5-8) to heighten the relatability of

Benjamin Banneker, son of former slaves, wrote to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, in attempt to argue against slavery to achieve a solution. Jefferson and Washington were the secretary of state, and the President of the United States at the time, so in order to convince them Banneker has to be very persuasive so that they can even consider his proposition. Banneker uses three main tactics to try and persuade Jefferson and Washington, these tactics are: Comparing Jefferson’s and Washington’s experiences to his own and trying to find a common link for them to understand and identify themselves with, appealing to common sense, and he leaves room open to interpretation and lets Washington and Jefferson the ability to decide what to do about the problem. Banneker uses comparisons to find a common link with his audience, this tactic can be effective if used properly with relevant examples. What Banneker does is that he uses specific examples to compare, one of the examples he uses, is the American Revolution; He compares slavery to the lack of freedom that the U.S had when they were a British colony.

Benjamin Banneker's Arguments Against Slavery

Slavery has sadly been in America from the start. Many have different opinions about slavery whether it should stay or be abandoned and forgotten. Although one person has written to Thomas Jefferson about one of history’s most important subject. Banneker starts it off by writing his strong views on how wrong slavery is not just listing all the problems, but in a letter that he uses strategies to make his view convincing. Benjamin Banneker uses rhetorical strategies such as ethos, logos, and various style elements to argue against slavery.

Benjamin Banneker's Argument Against Slavery

Benjamin Banneker in the letter, argues against slavery. Banneker uses biblical allusion, and a melancholic tone in order to argue against slavery to Thomas Jefferson in 1791.     Banneker uses biblical allusion in order to demonstrate that all humans should be treated the same, and have equal rights. For example, “you cannot but acknowledge that the present freedom and tranquility which you enjoy you have mercifully received and that it is the pecular blessing of Heaven” (Banneker 1). Banneker presents his argument by stating that Thomas Jefferson has freedom because of heaven, and he should extend the same right to everyone else.

Benjamin Banneker Letter To Thomas Jefferson Analysis

Hypocrisy is one of the worst moral crimes someone can commit. Benjamin Banneker's letter to Thomas Jefferson explains that he has committed this crime. He has gone back on his morale of everyone having unalienable rights by letting slavery continue to happen, and Banneker believes he is the prime contender in allowing this crime to happen and that he should be the start and make the move to stop slavery. Banneker explains this to Jefferson in such a way that the letter is both respectful and thoughtful while also being rude due to the use of how he phrases his sentences, that his argument can not be questioned because of his use of ‘Sir’ to show his respect, and his ardent choice of words which are all collectively used to explain how Jefferson is being hypocritical and show him why he should fix this.

Summary Of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation

On September 2nd, 1862, Abraham Lincoln famously signed the Emancipation Proclamation. After that, there’s been much debate on whether Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation truly played a role in freeing the slaves with many arguments opposing or favoring this issue. In Vincent Harding’s essay, The Blood-red Ironies of God, Harding argues in his thesis that Lincoln did not help to emancipate the slaves but that rather the slaves “self-emancipated” themselves through the war. On the opposition, Allen C Guelzo ’s essay, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America, argues in favor of the Emancipation Proclamation and Guelzo acknowledges Lincoln for the abolishment of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation.

Rhetorical Analysis Of Declaration Of Independence

To begin, Banneker utilizes Aristotle’s “three modes of persuasion”: pathos, logos, and ethos. In his introduction paragraph, Banneker appeals to pathos when he demands the audience, Jefferson, “to recall to [his] mind that time in which the arms and tyranny of the British Crown” was in control of the colonists (Line 1-2). The author provides this analogy between the colonists’ situation with Great Britain and the slaves’ situation in order for Jefferson to relate to the slaves on a common ground. It helps trigger past, unpleasant memories of Britain’s autocratic rule in an attempt for the audience to feel empathy for the slaves. This technique is a logical approach to persuade Jefferson of Banneker’s argument against slavery since his introduction serves as a mechanism to connect two opposing social classes (the enslaved people versus authority figures); hence, Jefferson would more likely comply to Banneker’s belief that slavery should not exist.

Meaning Of The July Fourth For The Negro By Frederick Douglass

One of the strategies Douglass uses to convince his audience slavery should be abolished is by “calling out American hypocrisy in his Fourth of July oration” (Mercieca 1). He shames them with no remorse. He speaks on the opposite treatments that enable whites to live in a state of freedom and liberty, while the blacks are living in a state of bondage. As the audience listens, he reminds them, there are men, women and children still held hostages to the chains of

What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July Essay

he uses bold words and biting criticism to call attention to the gross injustices and hypocrisy of slavery in the United States. In the opening remarks of his speech, Douglas provides heart-wrenching descriptions to pull his audience into the lives of their fellow

Benjamin Banneker Rhetorical Analysis

Banneker wrote a letter that argues against slavery from a former slave’s son point of view. He has argued against slavery by demonstrating his knowledge through word choices and repetition, and showed respect through his tone. By doing so, Banneker was able to argue against slavery and provoke Jefferson’s emotions on

Argumentative Essay On Slavery

Although Banneker (1797) was not a slave he always referred to himself as one, he believed that he was on the same level of his people and felt the need to fight alongside them. Banneker (1791)cannot comprehend why the people of religious beliefs do not take a stand with the people of darker complexion, he acknowledges that people of lighter complexion are entitled to their rights of human nature more than the people of the darker complexion (p 51).Banneker (1791) says “ I hope you cannot but acknowledge, that it is the indispensable duty of those who maintain for themselves the rights of human nature and who profess the obligations of the Christianity to extend their influence to the relief of every part of the human race (p 51)”. Banneker (1791) desperately wants for people of religious beliefs and lighter complexion to stand up against slavery and in essence practice what they

The Teaching Role In College Education

According to Malcolm Forbes, “Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” Education is the fundamental necessity of life. To get higher quality education is the basic right of every human being on this planet. But achievement of higher education is not possible without studying in college. College is actually a hub of knowledge where most talented and professional lecturers are ready to give you the essence of their expertise and life experiences (Hill, 2018).

More about Rhetorical Analysis Of Letter By Benjamin Banneker

Related topics.

• Slavery in the United States
• American Civil War
• United States
• Black people

Benjamin Banneker’s Letter to Thomas Jefferson Rhetorical Analysis

This essay will provide a rhetorical analysis of Benjamin Banneker’s letter to Thomas Jefferson. It will examine how Banneker uses ethos, pathos, and logos to argue against slavery and appeal for racial equality. The piece will discuss the historical context of the letter and its significance in the discourse on slavery and human rights. PapersOwl offers a variety of free essay examples on the topic of Declaration Of Independence.

How it works

• 1 Benjamin Banneker's Plea for Justice
• 2 Thomas Jefferson: A Contradictory Figure
• 3 The Power of Rhetorical Analysis
• 4 Appealing to Morality and Logic
• 5 References:

Benjamin Banneker's Plea for Justice

In 1791, Benjamin Banneker, who has a son of former slaves parents had written a letter to Thomas Jefferson in a nice but efficient way; the letter written challenged the author of the Declaration of Independence and even the united states secretary of State at the time; Thomas Jefferson” on the main topics regarding class, freedom, and race at the time. In the letter written, he impressively touched on all the topics of how African Americans, blacks, were being treated badly and discriminated against as white privileged citizen who was seen as people who were above us African Americans during such time. Need a custom essay on the same topic? Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and we’ll deliver the highest-quality essay! Order now

Thomas Jefferson: A Contradictory Figure

The power of rhetorical analysis.

Even after reading the letter, we could acknowledge that Jefferson was a modern politician during such a time; Banneker cunningly used the U.S. Constitution to petition Jefferson's ideas for the future. We see that because Banneker even states in the letter written; 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are designed equal.' Banneker wants to show how the constitution has been broken, the documentation of which the Country was basically established. Banneker even explains that if the constitution states that 'all men are created equal,' then surely the system of slavery should not subsist. That little existence of slavery contradicts everything the Country stood for, like; freedom, for example.

Appealing to Morality and Logic

References:.

Letter to Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Banneker, August 19, 1791. (n.d.). The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Monticello. (n.d.). Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. 

American Sphinx: The Contradictions of Thomas Jefferson. (n.d.). National Endowment for the Humanities. 

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Benjamin Banneker Letter Rhetorical Analysis

Show More Benjamin Banneker was an extremely accomplished man, being a farmer, astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and author. Taking his background as the son of two former slaves into account, the fact that he was an advocate for the abolition of slavery is unsurprising. In 1791, he wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson which acted as a call to action to move towards equality for all. In the letter, he employs many rhetorical strategies in order to portray his point of view, including tone, comparison, and the use of argumentative appeals. Thomas Jefferson is a man of great power. He is one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence, the framer of said document, and secretary of state to the president. Banneker is aware of all of this, and he …show more content… He uses logos in order to add unbiased evidence to his argument with the direct quote from the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This provides support for Banneker’s argument in such a way that it becomes irrefutable. Banneker also uses pathos in order to ensure that Jefferson will realize that the issue of slavery is serious. This is seen when Banneker discusses what slaves go through in America. “You should at the same time counteract his mercies in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren under groaning captivity and cruel oppression…” This appeals to Jefferson’s sense of guilt, and his empathy, for it is impossible not to feel something when presented with a statement that presents the struggle of slaves in such a way. In conclusion, Benjamin Banneker’s letter to Thomas Jefferson is a prime example of how one can eloquently express their point of view using tone, comparison, and the use of argumentative appeals. Banneker employs these rhetorical strategies admirably, and thus should be admired for his steps taken to ensure that the abolition of slavery would come sooner rather than

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Thomas Jefferson responded saying how much he does not like slavery and How he wants more than anybody to end the whole thing. Jefferson was so impressed with banneker that he sent a copy out to the marquis de condorcet which was a Secretary of the French academy of sciences in Paris. During the following years the two letters one o from Benjamin and the statesman reply were published in the United States in a largely distributed pamphlet. Benjamin banneker also made an almanac. It was very popular and widely known.…

A Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Declaration Of Independence

Thomas Jefferson owns hundreds of slaves whilst living in the “land of the free”, which was indeed partially created due to his efforts in writing the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Banneker also lives in the United States at this time and points out Jefferson’s hypocrisy in doing so. Banneker utilizes many rhetorical strategies, including logical appeals, emotional appeals to nostalgia, and religious references, in order to convey his opinion that slavery is immoral and that Jefferson, as a founding father, is a hypocrite for his involvement in the slave trade. In his first paragraph, Banneker illustrates an image of a time when Jefferson and his fellow neighbors were ruled by the tyrannous British.…

Rhetorical Analysis Of Letter By Benjamin Banneker

Author, Benjamin Banneker in his letter to secretary of state Thomas Jefferson, uses factual information from the Declaration of Independence for in which he tells Jefferson that slavery is wrong. Banneker's purpose is to argue against slavery. He adopts a instructive tone in order to get his point across about what is going on during this time in America which is primarily slavery towards Jefferson. Banneker achieves his purpose through the use of Diction, " fortitude", "tyranny", and "cruel". Benjamin Banneker begins with words that are pretentious and that impact the audience.…

Benjamin Banneker Rhetorical Analysis

Benjamin Banneker being that he is a son of a former slave has a strong stance on the negativity of slavery. He writes to the then secretary of state Thomas Jefferson, challenging Jefferson to debate racial equality on the accounts of moral grounds. Banneker effectively argues that not only is slavery contradictory of American ideals established in the past by Jefferson, but a violation of christian morals in his overall goal to persuade Thomas Jefferson that slaves should be freed through the use of rhetorical strategies that appeal to Jefferson 's ethics and morals in the letter Banneker wrote to him in 1791. Banneker leads into a pleas with utmost respect to Jefferson to have a more compliant to his upcoming demands. The author uses the…

Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker utilized the Aristotelian appeal of pathos throughout his letter to elicit guilt from Thomas Jefferson. By causing him to see the juxtaposition between his famously stated ideals of equality and the way he was living his life, Banneker hoped to persuade Jefferson to initiate a change in the ubiquitous practice of slavery. His most effective use of the rhetorical strategy was through a quote from the Declaration of Independence, a text that Jefferson himself had written only a few years prior. Banneker cited, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and among these are, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In 1791, it was evident that not all men were created as equally as Thomas Jefferson had claimed in the Declaration.…

Rhetorical strategies are strategies that writers use to further persuade the reader to lean a certain direction on a point of view of a belief whether the standpoint be morally good or morally bad. Benjamin Banneker a farmer, astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and author had variety of experience in many fields which allowed him to have more intelligence when thinking about using variety of rhetorical strategies. When writing this specific excerpt he had a lot of choices to use but mainly Banneker used comparison and contrasts when he wrote to Thomas Jefferson about his standpoint on slavery. During this excerpt of the letter that he sent to Jefferson, Banneker used a lot of comparisons to differentiate slavery to other topics such as the British Crown’s tyranny. The other strategy that is less common used is the Pathos from the Aristotelian appeals.…

Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson

In 1791, Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson attempting to convince him to abolish slavery. Banneker uses tone, emotional appeal, and human rights to to persuade Jefferson to reconsider his tolerance of slavery in the South. Banneker throughout his letter to Jefferson repeatedly uses a non-accusatory tone to mask his animosity towards Jefferson’s decision to keep slavery in the South. He uses “Sir” to show respect for Jefferson and his position as Secretary of State as well as appear educated and respectful. Banneker also acknowledges Jefferson’s knowledge on slavery by saying his,” “knowledge of the situation of my brethren is too extensive to need recital.”…

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Benjamin Banneker, the son of former slaves, former farmer, astronomer, and mathematician writes to Jefferson regrading to the worriment on slavery; in the excerpt, Banneker uses diction, allusion and appeals to Jefferson, adding more credibility to his concerns. Banneker integrates well educated and high diction in regards to his concerns on slavery. This is seen in lines 1, 15, 18, and 26. This shows Jefferson a display of respect, and dignity. Threw this, Jefferson is more likely to show his undivided attention to the subject at hand.…

Benjamin Banneker's Bill Of Rights

Benjamin Banneker being a former slave, farmer, astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and author having experience based knowledge in a reach for answers, from the secretary of state and president. The author talks about the dangers in which the British Crown were placed in, and a time when the tyranny was accountable for the unfairness of slavery. This letter was written in 1791, even years after this letter slavery was still going on until it was abolished. This ties into a point when feelings were arranged into the deceleration of war, and got in the way of “valuation of liberty.”…

Even though we don’t like to look back and fully go into depth about the issues slavery has caused our country and the ugly truth behind it, there is no denying it was there. Benjamin Banneker was one of the many people who helped push this country into a new age of freedom. Throughout the essay, Banneker's usage of negative diction enables the reader to comprehend the extent of the oppression slaves in this time period faced. He goes on to describe slavery as “groaning captivity and cruel oppression” which serves to fulfill one of his purposes to remind Jefferson of the true horrors slaves are forced to endure.…

Slavery In Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson

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He writes, “The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other” (162). This is notable because his definition of slavery is directly contradictory to his own definition of freedom. Up until his death, Jefferson made efforts for complete emancipation of slaves, with the…

Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson

Banneker knows that Jefferson sees how terrible African Americans are treated and feels as though he is the best person to write to. He wants Jefferson to convince other leaders to give African Americans liberty. Banneker states many reasons why slaves should be free and even relates the injustices of slavery to the injustices that with the British in order to get Jefferson to look at slavery in a new outlook. Banneker being an African American himself tried to fight for liberty and freedom of African…

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• United States Declaration of Independence
• Slavery in the United States

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Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker was a free African American who lived during a time when slavery was still prominent in America. As a free African American, Banneker knew the joys of freedom. In 1791 he wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson in which he urged Jefferson to put an end to slavery in America by using his powerful influence in the government. Jefferson, a slave owner himself, was a major supporter for independence during the American Revolution; in this letter to Jefferson, Banneker wants to show him that he is contradicting his previous beliefs by not abolishing slavery. Banneker aims to use Jefferson’s own experiences and principles in order to persuade him to get rid of slavery in the states. Banneker is very passionate in his letter to Jefferson, expressing an intense urge for the abolition of slavery. Banneker mainly integrates the mechanics of appeals to logic and ethics, strong diction and logical rhetorical structure in order to persuade Jefferson. Banneker’s letter to Jefferson is filled with examples of appeals to logic and ethics. Banneker wants Jefferson to see that by keeping slavery legal he is going against everything that he fought for in the American Revolution. Banneker cleverly uses Jefferson’s own words from the Declaration of Independence against him when he quotes this phrase: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life,

In addition to using pathos Banneker establishes ethos in his letter to argue against slavery. Banneker appeals to Jefferson by presenting Jefferson’s own work, The Declaration of Independence, to help strengthen his argument. Banneker emphasizes Jefferson’s famous line that “all men are created equal”. He points to the fact that Jefferson wrote that all men are equal, yet he is a hypocrite because he considers slaves inferior, not deserving of the freedom that he and the rest of America have. Using Jefferson’s own work Banneker not only appeals to Jefferson’s sense of authority but also strengthens his argument against slavery.

Benjamin Banneker Letter Rhetorical Analysis

The first rhetorical strategy Banneker used was quoting Jefferson’s own words from the Declaration back to Jefferson in his letter. Banneker uses the most famous line in the Declaration that reads “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created

Banneker includes several allusions when establishing his letter. Primarily, he capitalized on the use of provocative allusions in order to give Jefferson a broader view on the affects of slavery. Banneker alludes to the Declaration of Independence in lines 21-25, “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal… by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life,

Rhetorical Annalysis of Benjamin Banneker's Letter to Thomas Jefferson

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The repetition of the word “sir” at the beginning of each paragraph in his letter also holds a great weight on Benjamin Banneker’s decision to address Jefferson with his plea. It shows ethos, that he understands his position in comparison to Jefferson and is spoken out of respect. His risky gesture was carefully thought out, shown in the syntax of his sentences, long and carefully attacking the points he means to address. His well-formed sentences disprove the ideas that African Americans are all illiterate and incapable. Throughout the letter strong words such as fortitude, providential, and abhorrence justify that the letter is worth Jefferson’s time, not disdain. Continuously repeating “sir and his suggestions that his own achievements as a freedmen were a contradiction of Jefferson’s belief that blacks lacked intellectual ability and proof of what they could achieve when they were not tied down by slavery. Just like the writing of Fredrick Douglas, his

Benjamin Banneker's Rhetorical Appeals to End Slavery in his Letter to Thomas Jefferson

It is said that slavery is a stain on our country’s past. The topic of slavery was and still is a controversy in which equality is a struggle to obtain. However, what occurred in the past created the nation that lives on today. Benjamin Banneker was one man who stood out in the efforts to end slavery. He did so in writing a strongly worded letter to Thomas Jefferson that exclaimed his opinions and feelings. Banneker used an appeal to pathos, repetition, and religious appeals to argue against slavery.

Summary Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson

Son of former slaves, farmer, astronomer, and author Benjamin Banneker in his letter to Thomas Jefferson in asserts that slavery is erroneous and should be discontinued. During this time period, slaves had no rights or freedom, slaves were property. Banneker was a slavery abolitionist, and wanted to help African Americans. Banneker adopts a respectful yet vexed tone in order to criticize and accuse Thomas Jefferson of being a hypocrite. Thomas Jefferson wrote the lines, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”, but he himself owned slaves, so this describes he did not want liberty for African American slaves. Banneker is offended and vexed, judging Jefferson as a hypocrite. Banneker achieves his purpose of judging Jefferson through his prominent use of diction.

The letter from Banneker to Jefferson integrates extremely knowledgeable and formal diction in contention against the issue of slavery. The advanced level of language introduced by Banneker is another contributing component to his believability on his position against subjugation. A few great instances of Banneker's diction are in the words "abhorrence" in line 18, "benevolence" in line 32, and the phrase "professedly detested" in line 40, all of these showing the great knowledge that he carries. Banneker’s education has the potential to prove to Jefferson that black people can be on the same level as white people despite being put below white people as their slaves. In the second paragraph of his writing, Benjamin uses his knowledge of the time period when the United States was under British rule, inviting Jefferson to recall the "injustice" and the "horrors of its condition”. In doing so, he compares this to the slavery of black people during his own current state of life. In lines 35-38 of Banneker’s letter, it is stated, "that you should at the same time counteract his (God's) mercies in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of

A Brief Biography of Benjamin Banneker

Banneker’s word choice takes a large role in his letter as it show his persuasive bold stance and emotional message to Jefferson. Banneker used bold and compelling detailed phrases, in particular “I entreat you… your abhorrence thereof was so excited… how pitiable… groaning captivity and cruel oppression” (Paragraphs 1-3) moves readers of the letter responsively into feeling guilt and grief towards the ones enslaved. His word choice implies formally that Jefferson, the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence who stated “all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with unalienable rights” (Paragraph 2) contradicted himself “you should at the same

Benjamin Banneker Rhetorical Analysis

Once Banneker has grabbed Jefferson’s attention with this flattering, he begins pointing out the hypocrisy of what Jefferson has professed about liberty and freedom in the past, and how it contradicts to the way blacks in America are being treated. One powerful way Banneker does this is by reminding Jefferson of “that time in which the Arms and tyranny of the British Crown were exerted with every powerful effort in order to reduce you to a State of Servitude.” This comparison of Britain’s tyranny to slavery allows Jefferson to almost place himself in Banneker’s shoes, and to relate to the struggles that blacks have faced. It also points to Jefferson’s hypocrisy because of what Jefferson was specifically fighting for. These were the natural rights of “ ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyness’,“ and the idea that “ ‘all men are created equal’.” These are the exact same things Banneker is fighting for, and the fact that Jefferson was an advocate of these same ideas makes it impossible for him to disagree with Banneker. The direct quotes from the Declaration of Independence, which was written by Jefferson, gives Jefferson two options: one, to be called a hypocrite, or two, to support Banneker and his purpose. Since Banneker’s overall goal is to end

Rhetorical Analysis Of Slavery In The Declaration Of Independence

Also, Mr. Banneker used pathos to help argue against slavery, he appealed to Mr. Jefferson’s ego. When Benjamin Banneker was talking about the Declaration of Independence he referred to it as a “valuable doctrine… remembered in all succeeding ages”, this appeals to Thomas Jefferson because he was the principal author of it. Now he has caught Thomas Jefferson attention and has shown his respect towards him and his work. Not only has he shown his respect towards him but Mr. Jefferson can see that they agree on the same concept even if it’s not on the same page. He also used pathos, when reminding Mr.Jefferson about the time the U.S was under British rule. He did this to make a connection between slaves and colonists, he reminds him that they too had no freedom and had little hope of escaping the British crown. All of this helps

Benjamin Banneker Letter To Thomas Jefferson Allusion

Banneker uses allusions throughout his letter to persuade Jefferson to empathize with the slaves and have more compassion towards their struggle. This includes in lines 6 and 7, when Banneker points out, “you cannot but acknowledge that the present freedom

Euphemism In The Declaration Of Independence By Benjamin Banneker

Thomas Jefferson is the creator of the declaration of independence, and in that document, he declares independence to all citizen of the United States of America. On that same not, both Jefferson and Washington are both Christians. So, Banneker uses their words and what they believe in against their way of living. Banneker addresses the fact that Jefferson saw injustices in America, so he wrote the Declaration of Independence clearly stating in black and white that “all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creators with certain unalienable right” and these rights are given to everybody once they are brought into the world, and these rights cannot be taken away (line #20). Even though, Jefferson wrote these words he still continues to own slaves, which Banneker uses against him because he claims he saw injustices and also claims that he believes in the words he wrote but at the end of the4 day he encourages slavery. Technically, Jefferson is saying all men were created equally, but it’s okay to have slaves and to take those alienable rights away from them. Thus, making him less reliable because he’s a hypocrite, and that makes his stance about the subject shaky because he is known for equality and equal opportunity but every

First, Benjamin Banneker reasons African Americans are equal to white men in order to argue that slavery is morally wrong. For example, through the repetition of the word the ‘Sir’, Banneker not only shows respect towards Thomas Jefferson, but portrays himself as someone knowledgeable. This helps Banneker argue that is slavery is morally wrong because it shatters the notion of African Americans being inferior to white people due to Banneker, who is an African American, writing a letter in a dignified manner. Also, it helps the argument by appealing to Thomas Jefferson’s ego and sense of worth. The repetition of ‘sir’ makes it more difficult for Jefferson to become angry at Banneker for being insolent because it doesn’t antagonize Jefferson, but recognizes the difference in authority and position between Banneker and Jefferson while showing that Banneker himself, who is an African American, is capable and educated. Through sentences “… you have mercifully received and that is the peculiar blessing of heaven”, “blessings to which you were entitled by nature”, and “… benevolence of the Father of mankind and of equal and impartial distribution of those right…” Mr. Banneker appeals to Jefferson through religion. This religious appeal aids the argument that slavery is wrong because it works as the premise to a syllogism; God has made all men equal, African Americans and white people are men, so they are equal. For Jefferson to dispute this argument, he would have to defy the premise of his own Declaration of Independence (“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are create equal…”) which would mean the loss of the justification Americans had to declare independence from Great Britain. Also, Banneker speaks to Jefferson’s own values as a religious man by arguing that he is opposing God’s goodwill in the

Slavery Dbq

Benjamin's Letter states that Thomas Jefferson should give up on his support on slavery and turn to an abolitionist. Banneker argues with Jefferson and called him a hypocrite because he states in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal. " This letter gained him support from all the anti-slavery people. Frederick Douglass is an african-american abolitionist who wrote a letter to William Lloyd Garrison saying that Britain is his home and that he wants to have his freedom.

Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson

Benjamin Banneker was the son of a former slave and an extremely educated African-American man. His letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1791 was a carefully worded opposition to the institution of slavery. In his letter, Banneker uses influential allusions, a tone that changes midway into his essay, and well-read diction that call the recipient (Jefferson) to make a gradual change and understand his own hypocrisy.

Related Topics

• United States Declaration of Independence
• United States
• American Civil War
• Slavery in the United States
• Thomas Jefferson