Summary Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Jefferson

Arshad Chowdhury Hypocrisy can be a funny thing. One never discovers the gravity of it, until far after the fact. One of the keen examples of hypocrisy can be seen through the seventeenth century all the way through the nineteenth century, in American slavery. Today many Americans feel guilty for the hardships the African Americans that were captured and forced to work like dogs for their ancestors. Benjamin Banneker, a distinguished man of many careers, happened to be the son of former slaves.

Hypocrisy is one of the worst moral crimes someone can commit. Benjamin Banneker's letter to Thomas Jefferson explains that he has committed this crime. He has gone back on his morale of everyone having unalienable rights by letting slavery continue to happen, and Banneker believes he is the prime contender in allowing this crime to happen and that he should be the start and make the move to stop slavery. Banneker explains this to Jefferson in such a way that the letter is both respectful and thoughtful while also being rude due to the use of how he phrases his sentences, that his argument can not be questioned because of his use of ‘Sir’ to show his respect, and his ardent choice of words which are all collectively used to explain how Jefferson is being hypocritical and show him why he should fix this.

1. What type of document is it? What is the title of the document? The type of document is a letter, titled Banneker 's Letter to Jefferson.

Benjamin Banneker in the letter, argues against slavery. Banneker uses biblical allusion, and a melancholic tone in order to argue against slavery to Thomas Jefferson in 1791.     Banneker uses biblical allusion in order to demonstrate that all humans should be treated the same, and have equal rights. For example, “you cannot but acknowledge that the present freedom and tranquility which you enjoy you have mercifully received and that it is the pecular blessing of Heaven” (Banneker 1). Banneker presents his argument by stating that Thomas Jefferson has freedom because of heaven, and he should extend the same right to everyone else.

You say This, But do That Benjamin Banneker employs techniques of imagery and irony, as well as tools of diction to enhance his idea of slavery needing to be stopped by pointing out Thomas Jefferson’s hypocrisy without attacking. Banneker employs imagery through allusions to help convince to help show how Jefferson is go against his common beliefs to a point. Banneker alludes religion by talking about “the pecular blessings” given “by their creator” (Banneker). Banneker points out how not being enslaved whether it be not being under British rule, or being an actual slave forced to work without anything in return is a gift from God. Due to Christianity being the main religion then Banneker uses to point out how Jefferson is not giving all

Olaudah Equiano was a slave since he was 13. When he got to the age of 21 his proprietor permitted him to purchase himself off of subjugation, and in this story he is educating us regarding how he felt about being a slave and how it was extremely frightful to be a slave on a boat with being a starved, encompassed by affliction, and abuse. Benjamin Banneker letter to, Thomas Jefferson was considered as challenge writing since he was composing a chronicle to secretary of state Thomas Jefferson in acknowledgment on the most proficient method to abrogating subjugation ought to be. Banneker felt in Jefferson 's life he ought to concur with him that servitude was really merciless and only

In his letter to Thomas Jefferson, it is apparent that Banneker uses a precise rhetoric in an attempt to pinpoint his argument so that it may have a greater effect on the reader. Written in 1791, the resonance of the American Revolution could still be felt in a fresh and young America, in which Banneker takes advantage of, using ideas and messages from the Declaration of Independence. Banneker’s style is quite humble yet adamant, offering a solid debate on the morality of slavery. His use of definitive diction exemplifies his letter, creating a sense of importance and urgency to the audience whilst maintaining a polite tone.

Benjamin Banneker was born November 9, 1731 in Ellicott's Mills Maryland. He grew up on a cotton plantation he was the son of a former slave by the name of Robert and his mother Mary both of his parents where ex-slaves giving Banneker freedom from birth. At a young age he was taught to read by his grandmother at the same time he attended a quacker school. He was self-taught for the most part teaching himself literature, history, and mathematics. With such great intelligence he had multiple accomplishments in the near future.

In Herman Melville’s Bartleby And Benito Cereno, the San Dominick is now under the rule of Babo, a slave mastermind. Babo guides the other slaves to revolt against the slave master Armanda and the spaniards. Negro Babo cautioned Don Benito Cereno ‘he and his companions could not otherwise be sure of their liberty’ (Melville, 1855, p.65). The negro’s only purpose for being defiant was to regain freedom. Thom Brooks declared that ‘punishment is only justified when it is deserved, not when it satisfies private anger or bloodlust’ (2012, p.16).

Jefferson, Owning Slaves?! We are now informed that President Jefferson has owned slaves. This started when Jefferson was young boy. He grew up on a plantation and had nearly 200 slaves on his family’s plantation. Jefferson claims he’s against the idea of owning but, do we really believe him.