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Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker

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America. The land of the free. Of the equal. This was not always a true statement. While America claimed that all people were equal, black men and women were working for white families all over the place. They had not yet won their freedom or equality. Slavery would need to be abolished first. Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson about this very dilemma. Banneker, always remaining respectful and aggressive, argues against slavery by using many rhetorical devices throughout his letter.
“…all men are created equal...” Banneker quotes Jefferson’s own words back to him. Banneker shows Jefferson that he is being highly hypocritical. How can a nation possibly have all men equal if the people advocating for equality do not even abide by their own words? The words of the Declaration of Independence. As once said by Alexander Theroux “Hypocrisy is the essence of snobbery, but all snobbery is about the problem of belonging.” Jefferson conformed to a society of slavery. Banneker wastes no time in calling him out. “…you should at the same time counteract his mercies…” Our creator granted us all with …show more content…

Banneker acknowledges that Jefferson is “fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father” and the freedom and tranquility that Jefferson has acquired “…you have mercifully received and that it is the pecular blessing of Heaven.” Banneker endeavors to use religion to make a connection with Jefferson. By doing so, he creates an atmosphere of understanding in the letter. The knowledge connects the two people and proves that Banneker and Jefferson have no different views. However, saying “…you should at the same time counteract his mercies…” also shines a different light on Jefferson in this aspect. Is he not displaying Jefferson’s sins? This well-educated man, the same one that is the son of former slaves, is calling Jefferson out for his sins. What sane person would commit such an

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