Thomas Jefferson

In his letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1791, Benjamin Banneker, the son of former slaves, attempts to make Jefferson aware of the oppression and horrifying nature that is slavery. Banneker illuminates this discordance by appealing to pathos, writing in a sympathetic tone, and using repetition to demonstrate his deference. He beseeches his opinion on the topic of slavery in order to sympathize with Jefferson and change his opinion on slavery. Throughout the letter, readers repeatedly stumble upon the word “sir.” Banneker uses the word “sir” at least once in every paragraph, and this demonstrates his absolute respect for Jefferson although he does not agree with his methods of dealing with slavery. He knows Jefferson is high on the political pedestal and through the use of the word “sir” repeatedly; he is able to concern Jefferson almost as an equal to himself. Banneker repeatedly refers to Jefferson “sir” to gain sympathy from him and help draw in his attention. He also uses the word “sir” to exemplify Jefferson’s authority and knowledge, such that he states in his last paragraph “Sir, I suppose that your knowledge of the situation […] is too extensive to need a recital here.” With this statement, Thomas Jefferson is convinced of Banneker’s credibility and reconsiders the current situation of slavery. Banneker’s tone in his letter is one of sympathy. He expresses his tone of sympathy with the use of the word “sir” and allusions of the America Revolution, “tyranny of the British Crown […] to reduce you to a State of Servitude.” Along with his sympathetic tone, he also expresses an exalted tone in order to appeal to Jefferson’s high-class position in society. Banneker uses this type of tone to try and convince Jefferson that he has experienced the same type of struggles that he has. He tries to assure Jefferson that his credibility can be trusted with his sympathetic tone.

He also appeals to pathos in his letter in order to try and get Jefferson to