Benjamin Banneker Letter To Jefferson

Benjamin Banneker is a very passionate man when it comes to racial issues. In fact, he, himself was the son of a slave, which would indicate that he was a man who has experienced racial complications. Banneker (once educated), decided to become an advocate for racial freedom and equality. Subsequently Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson in hopes of persuading him to rethink the government’s position on slavery. In the letter Banneker uses allusions, repetition, and religious diction in his writing in hopes to evoke a change in the hypocrisy the colonists’ government has proven to be. Throughout the letter Banneker uses different allusions to help persuade Jefferson to rethink slavery in the states. Mr. Banneker alludes to the Declaration of Independence in his letter when he writes the most memorable words in the Declaration, “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.” In Banneker’s mind that means all men are created equal, regardless of their skin color . Not only did Banneker allude to the famous document, but he also refers the biggest

He knows his position in society, but will definitely inform those with power when he feels something is not right. Throughout the letter Banneker was determined to prove to Jefferson how hypocritical the colonists were and how they may not be much better than the tyrants known as the British. Throughout the letter Banneker did exactly that and more. Jefferson if he chose to reply to this letter may reply with tone of respect as Banneker did. The letter may have opened his eyes upon the wrong doing of the colonists. Thus Jefferson could reply as the changed man we know, who did not like the idea of slavery. Jefferson may even reply that he would love to change the laws on slavery, but they would need to get a functional government who could control any outbreaks from such a dramatic