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What Is The Purpose Of Letter To Benjamin Banneker

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Speaker: Benjamin Banneker was an astronomer, surveyor, mathematician, author and farmer. His parents were former slaves. Occasion: Banneker wrote this letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1791. We’re not told by this text as to where this text was written. Audience: Naturally the audience is to whom the letter is addressed to which is Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was the secretary of state and one of the framers of Declaration of Independence. Purpose: Banneker is speaking against slavery. Benjamin overall wants Thomas to see the slavery from their perspective and uses rhetorical strategies. Subject: Benjamin shows Jefferson that the slavery his parents and many others have suffered through can be compared to the time when Jefferson …show more content…

These words show Benjamin trying to show emotional appeal towards writing against slavery to Jefferson. Imagery: Benjamin mentions the Bible and uses Job to illustrate how Jefferson can “put your souls in their souls stead” this overall makes the text very personal and can almost leave an impression on Jefferson. This imagery helps to visualize someone putting themselves in someone else's shoes. Details: The author chose to include the history of the British and how they affected Thomas Jefferson and the others who fled from the King for freedom. This shows again how he's trying to appeal to Jefferson’s emotions. This is also very emotional to Benjamin himself as he says, “Sir, I suppose that your knowledge of the situation of my brethren is too extensive to need a recital here.” The use of “my brethren” shows how strong Benjamin argues against slavery. Language: This letter is very formal and denotative. Benjamin uses repetition and pathos (emotional appeal) together to make an impact on Thomas Jefferson. His writing does not digress and is very

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