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Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson

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The bane of American history, slavery was considered to be one of the gravest hypocrisies and injustices of our nation's past. The act of forcing a fellow man into unlawful servitude casts a darkness onto human ethics. Familiar with this inhumane act, Benjamin Banneker, son of a farmer salve, effectively argues against the use of slavery in his letter to Thomas Jefferson.

Banneker immediately begins the letter in a formal, yet urgent tone, and his diction demonstrates thoughtful consideration and tact in this important situation, using words such as "Sir," "suffer me," and "entreat." He essentially aims to appeal to Thomas Jefferson to garner his support through the use of pathos. This appear to emotion is evident in the lines "This sir, was …show more content…

By putting Jefferson in a situation where denying African American slaves freedom would be a blatant disregard for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," as supported by Jefferson, Banneker effectively challenges Jefferson's ethics and integrity. If Jefferson were to disagree with Banneker, he would then be subject to hypocrisy, a vice that damages the reputations of politicians and dignitaries. After accusing Jefferson of having double standards, Banneker finally allows Jefferson to come to his own conclusion. He "supposes that Jefferson's knowledge of the situation of his brethren is too extensive to need a recital," forcing Jefferson to come to his own final decision after reading his plausible logos. This is a highly useful way for Banneker to close his argument because he leaves Jefferson with practically one remaining option - that he is

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