Letter To Thomas Jefferson Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Since the creation of the world, there has always been a key concept of two sides battling against each other for something they desperately desire. Last summer it was the Indians and Cubs, battling for a World Series Championship that neither had achieved in a combined one hundred and seventy-six years. Travel back in time to 1791 and time repeats itself as the Colonists strive to gain independence from Great britain and the slaves try to free themselves from the bonds of slavery. One side becomes victorious as a leader, Benjamin Banneker, arises on the other side, becoming the voice for the slaves. He expertly writes a letter to Thomas Jefferson arguing the slaves deserve freedom by using rhetorical devices, such as analogies, allusions,
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The use of the word “brethren” suggests the multitude of slaves, connected together by this invisible bond of slavery, who have been oppressed for years and was denied their Independence. This type diction causes the reader, mainly Jefferson, to feel this sense of being an outsider which leads to more guilty that he didn’t take action. He could have been part of this “brotherhood,” if only he would have fought harder for the slaves to gain their independence also. The second appeal to ethics is how Banneker alludes to the story of Job. Almost all people in America were rooted in some faith at this time, so it’s only natural for Banneker to prove to Jefferson that the slaves are just like normal human beings who have faith in this one God, who will watch over for them. This rhetorical device instills in Jefferson this belief that he already knows what must be done, it’s just his turn to act for the patient people.
From history, it is already known that slavery isn’t outlawed for a while after this letter was written, but there is still hope that Jefferson fully considered this letter and acknowledged this man’s education and courage to stand up for his people. Banneker proves through this letter that his rhetorical devices and sophisticated diction make him an equal intellectual to all of the wealthy, educated, white
The use of the word “brethren” suggests the multitude of slaves, connected together by this invisible bond of slavery, who have been oppressed for years and was denied their Independence. This type diction causes the reader, mainly Jefferson, to feel this sense of being an outsider which leads to more guilty that he didn’t take action. He could have been part of this “brotherhood,” if only he would have fought harder for the slaves to gain their independence also. The second appeal to ethics is how Banneker alludes to the story of Job. Almost all people in America were rooted in some faith at this time, so it’s only natural for Banneker to prove to Jefferson that the slaves are just like normal human beings who have faith in this one God, who will watch over for them. This rhetorical device instills in Jefferson this belief that he already knows what must be done, it’s just his turn to act for the patient people.
From history, it is already known that slavery isn’t outlawed for a while after this letter was written, but there is still hope that Jefferson fully considered this letter and acknowledged this man’s education and courage to stand up for his people. Banneker proves through this letter that his rhetorical devices and sophisticated diction make him an equal intellectual to all of the wealthy, educated, white