ipl-logo

Benjamin Banneker Letter To Thomas Jefferson

379 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Letter from benjamin banneker to jefferson

Benjamin Banneker addresses Thomas Jefferson, arguing that although Jefferson claims to support the Declaration of Independence, which clearly promotes equality to all people, Jefferson is “found guilty” of treating slaves unjustly, encouraging Jefferson to abolish slavery. Banneker asks Jefferson to “look back… on the variety of dangers to which” Jefferson has overcome. Banneker flatters Jefferson with his noble deed of supporting equality, in order to acknowledge his trust and support for Jefferson, building his gratitude so Jefferson will be more likely to take his criticism. Quickly Banneker sheds light on the cutting truth: Jefferson left out a group from equality. Slaves. Banneker accuses Jefferson, exposing that “you [Jefferson] were so fully convinced of the benevolence of… equality,” revealing there is no such thing as true equality as Jefferson thought there to be, for slaves had no rights compared to men like Jefferson. exposing the ugly truth that Jefferson was “found guilty of” the “criminal act” he “professedly detested in others” in order to reveal the horrid problem of unjust slavery. Banneker hopes Jefferson will see this and stand up for and free the slaves. …show more content…

Banneker demonises the unjust treatment hoping Jefferson becomes baffled with sorrow of his wrong doings of supporting slavery, and be encouraged to take action in leading others to abolishing slavery. Banneker viciously slings words such as “fraud,” “violence,” “groaning captivity,” and “cruel oppression” toward Jefferson inspiring hatred towards those, like him (Jefferson), who abuse the power of slavery. Banneker wishes that Jefferson, being a good and trusted political leader, will act quickly to save the slaves and empower others to follow the

Show More
Related
236 Words | 1 Pages

Benjamin Banneker effectively convinces Jefferson to end slavery through his use of imagery, allusions, and figurative language. One of the main literary devices Benjamin Banneker uses is imagery. The use of imagery throughout the paper, allows the audience to create a clearer picture. Imagery is also useful for demonstrating and conveying ideas. An example of imagery, “reflect on that time in which every human aid appeared unavailable.”

Read More
222 Words | 1 Pages

Benjamin Banneker earnestly attempts to persuade Thomas Jefferson, former slave owner, the wrongness of slavery by using his sense of morality and reasoning against him. Banneker brings to light Jefferson’s views and to set the foundation to take his argument further. He refers to the Revolutionary War in line 2, "...arms and tyranny of the British Crown..." and explains the British Crown and indirectly refers to their ruling of the colonies. The word he most significantly used was ‘tyranny’ which sums up the rule of the British Crown in the colonists eyes. He uses the Revolutionary War and its impact on the colonies to further deepen the argument on his next point, without this clarification what he said next wouldn't have made any

Read More
780 Words | 4 Pages

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.

Read More
387 Words | 2 Pages

Benjamin Banneker’s letter is filled with a litany of examples to argue against slavery. Banneker was a farmer, astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, author, and the son of former slaves. Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson, the framer of the Declaration of Independence and secretary of state. In this letter Banneker uses rhetorical strategies to argue against slavery such as being a hypocrite, using the word “sir” referring to Jefferson, and using examples of the declaration of independence of how it’s wrong with “all men created equal.” Banneker is a flat out hypocrite.

Read More
612 Words | 3 Pages

He shows the politeness to allow Jefferson to note that race does not make one inferior and that Banneker thinks of him as an equal. By stroking Jefferson’s ego and showing him respect continually allows Banneker to have a more educated conversation with

Read More
396 Words | 2 Pages

Benjamin Banneker, the son of former slaves, wrote to Thomas Jefferson in 1791 to argue against slavery and that the freedom and tranquility we enjoy is a blessing from heaven. The author uses quotes, diction and rhetorical questions to develop and support his claims. Banneker’s purpose is to get Thomas Jefferson to consider the morals of slavery. The intended audience is Thomas Jefferson and any other government official who reads this letter. To begin, Banneker uses an intricate choice of words to express how unhappy he is with slavery and those who allow it.

Read More
457 Words | 2 Pages

In 1791, a son of former slaves by the name of Benjamin Banneker, wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson about his belief and standpoint on slavery with major rhetorical responses backing his standpoint up. Banneker starts off his letter and continues throughout it by stating “sir.” He does this knowingly as it is a sign of respect and the fact Jefferson has more authority than him, as Jefferson was the Secretary of State at the time under President George Washington, and hoping to have Jefferson and other high and powerful men consider his point of view. Predating back to the early 1700’s, slaves were merely legal property in the United States, meaning the slaves had no rights. Free black men and women had no rights either.

Read More
659 Words | 3 Pages

In 1791, the multi-skilled and intelligent Benjamin Benneker wrote to Declaration of Independence framer Thomas Jefferson arguing against the existence of slavery in the United States. The work, containing descriptions of the mental and physical fight of slavery to excerpts of distinguished texts, connects to establish a strong argument for the anti-slavery cause. Throughout the essay, Benjamin Banneker uses pathos, examples, and allusions to press Thomas Jefferson into sympathizing and empathizing with the injustices of slavery. Banneker utilizes examples to persuade and influence Jefferson. He recalls the tyrannical rule of the British Crown and the constrictive orders and imminent dangers that were endured during the American Revolution (5-8) to heighten the relatability of

Read More
616 Words | 3 Pages

Banneker know his place in terms that he is black, so he is not treated as equal. Banneker brings up the fact that Jefferson knows how he feels, as Jefferson has gone through having his freedom stripped from him. Banneker tells Jefferson to recall the time when “the arms and tyranny” of the king were applied with a stern effort to reduce him to a “State of Servitude.”

Read More
697 Words | 3 Pages

Slavery has sadly been in America from the start. Many have different opinions about slavery whether it should stay or be abandoned and forgotten. Although one person has written to Thomas Jefferson about one of history’s most important subject. Banneker starts it off by writing his strong views on how wrong slavery is not just listing all the problems, but in a letter that he uses strategies to make his view convincing. Benjamin Banneker uses rhetorical strategies such as ethos, logos, and various style elements to argue against slavery.

Read More
229 Words | 1 Pages

The quote also appeals to Jefferson’s emotions because Banneker makes him feel guilty about slavery. Jefferson

Read More
651 Words | 3 Pages

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.

Read More
358 Words | 2 Pages

African-American becoming to America with the new approach of wanted more than what the old Negros wanted. I never realized that William Edward Burghardt known as “W.E.B.” Du Bois had a huge contribution on inspiring artists and social thinkers of his time. He was a leading African-American sociologist, writer and activist. Educated at Harvard University and other top schools. W.E.B. Du Bois outlined the history of African-Americans throughout time, were held in high regard by Du Bois whom felt that Pageants could be utilized best as a form of educational theatre or as an instructional tool to teach African Americans.

Read More
470 Words | 2 Pages

Banneker wrote a letter that argues against slavery from a former slave’s son point of view. He has argued against slavery by demonstrating his knowledge through word choices and repetition, and showed respect through his tone. By doing so, Banneker was able to argue against slavery and provoke Jefferson’s emotions on

Read More
981 Words | 4 Pages

Jefferson’s intention of freeing slaves was not as heroic as many had thought, but it is one of the first stepping stones that would eventually guide the country’s objective. Although there is evident hypocrisy in the passage, progressivism of ideas takes time. One could not expect a sudden change of people’s thoughts and perspectives overnight. Thus, following the basis of “all men are created equal”, through many fights and revolutions, black people after rigorous efforts had stood up and proved that they are as equal as any other people. Therefore, the mission of today’s society is to preserve the hard-fought equality among all races and the independence of our

Read More

More about Benjamin Banneker Letter To Thomas Jefferson

Related Topics

Open Document