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A Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker

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Benjamin Banneker, the son of former slaves, wrote to Thomas Jefferson in 1791 to argue against slavery and that the freedom and tranquility we enjoy is a blessing from heaven. The author uses quotes, diction and rhetorical questions to develop and support his claims. Banneker’s purpose is to get Thomas Jefferson to consider the morals of slavery. The intended audience is Thomas Jefferson and any other government official who reads this letter. To begin, Banneker uses an intricate choice of words to express how unhappy he is with slavery and those who allow it. Also, by doing so, Banneker is appealing to Jefferson emotionally and logically. In lines 42-46, Banneker seems very desperate and is begging Jefferson to “use other forms of punishment.”

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