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Benjamin Banneker Rhetorical Analysis

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Benjamin Banneker, the son of former slaves, wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson to argue against slavery. Banneker was an educated man, he was an astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, author, and farmer, yet, Jefferson had not known this information. Banneker makes his argument through the use of allusion, diction, and repetition, which causes Banneker to seem reliable and have intelligence. To remind Jefferson of his own subjugation, Banneker alludes to the British Crown. “..British Crown were exerted with every powerful effort in order to reduce you to a State of Servitude.” By doing so, Banneker aligns with Jefferson’s own struggles to be free. Banneker also alludes to the Declaration of Independence. “…That all men are created equal…among …show more content…

In order for Banneker to display his knowledge, he uses “sir” in the beginning sentences in each paragraph. “Sir, suffer me to recall to your mind…”, Banneker uses “sir” several times to show his credibility. Since Thomas Jefferson was the framer of the Declaration of Independence, Banneker has to be intelligent in order to appeal to Jefferson. Also, by repeating “sir” in each paragraph, it allows Banneker to demonstrate his respect. Banneker has also repeated “you” many times referring to Jefferson. “...was a tie in which you clearly saw...” “...blessings to which you were entitled by nature.” Each time Banneker repeats the word “you”, it builds onto the formal tone and draws out Jefferson’s attention. The letter Thomas Jefferson received from Banneker in 1791 is a persuasive letter. 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

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