Benjamin Banneker’s Letter to Thomas Jefferson Rhetorical Analysis In a letter to Thomas Jefferson an advocate for slavery and framer of “The Declaration of Independence”; author‚ astronomer‚ mathematician‚ farmer‚ and the son of former slaves‚ Benjamin Banneker addresses the oppressive and horrifying nature of the slave trade that Banneker’s ancestors had been in for generations. In this letter‚ Banneker exposes the cruelty slaves endeavored while expanding on the rights that were taken from his
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Lang. – A2 15 January 2016 Rhetorical Analysis – Banneker Slavery is infamously known in American history as “America’s greatest shame”. Accompanied by the concept of slavery was vast opposition due to it being unconstitutional and contradicting the basis of American government. Benjamin Banneker writes a simple letter to Thomas Jefferson that effectively argues against the institution of slavery utilizing political appeals‚ irony‚ repetition‚ and a snarky tone. Banneker argues against slavery by
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Benjamin Banneker is a very passionate man when it comes to racial issues. In fact‚ he‚ himself was the son of a slave‚ which would indicate that he was a man who has experienced racial complications. Banneker (once educated)‚ decided to become an advocate for racial freedom and equality. Mr. Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson in hopes of persuading him to rethink the government’s position on slavery. In the letter Banneker uses allusions‚ repetition‚ religious diction‚ and pathos in his
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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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themselves. Benjamin Banneker writes a letter to one of these founding fathers‚ more specifically the one that wrote “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” in the Declaration of Independence (21-25). Banneker maintains strong stance on how unjust slavery is in the United States. He encourages Jefferson to relate
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Man‚" the Motown marvel sings of Benjamin Banneker: "first clock to be made in America was created by a black man." Though the song is a fitting salute to a great inventor (and African Americans in general)‚ it only touches on the genius of Benjamin Banneker and the many hats he wore – as a farmer‚ mathematician‚ astronomer‚ author and land surveyor. Like a lot of early inventors‚ Benjamin Banneker was primarily self-taught. The son of former slaves‚ Benjamin worked on the family tobacco farm
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pursuit of happiness. The concept of owning African Americans‚ as slaves‚ contradicts the ideology present in the Declaration‚ in addition to the moral of slave owners. Benjamin Banneker‚ a free African American discussed the concepts of race and rights‚ in his letter addressed to Thomas Jefferson‚ the Secretary of State. Banneker explains that many of his ‘brethren’ were
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slavery was like in 1791‚ and Benjamin Banneker truly expresses that in his letter of persuasion to secretary of state Thomas Jefferson. “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‚” Banneker quotes the Declaration of Independence. Using this reference is only one of his many strategies used in the letter. His persuasive tactics merge
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Benjamin Banneker’s writing to Thomas Jefferson suggests his dissatisfaction towards Jefferson’s actions and hypocrisy towards slavery. Banneker’s purpose seems to critique Jefferson in the form of bitter tone and examination of his ideals and actions. Banneker conveys a bitter tone in order to assert his claims towards Jefferson. In his letter‚ Banneker shows distinct irony‚ political diction and a somewhat mocking tone to imply the discontent he feels in regards to the issue of slavery. Banneker
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Mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9‚ 1731‚ in Ellicott’s Mills‚ Maryland. Largely self-taught‚ Banneker was one of the first African Americans to gain distinction in science. His significant accomplishments and correspondence with prominent political figures profoundly influenced how African Americans were viewed during the Federal period. Benjamin Banneker‚ originally Banna Ka‚ or Bannakay‚ was a free African American mathematician‚ astronomer‚ clockmaker‚ and publisher
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