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Critical analysis of declaration of independence
Essay the Declaration of independence
Essay on declaration of independence
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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
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, in his letter to Thomas Jefferson, offers a series of arguments against the institution of slavery through a respectful tone, references to history, and the Bible. As a son of former slaves, Banneker is seeking justice for the black population and uses Jefferson’s own words against him as he speaks on behalf of “Black America.” He shares his opinions with Jefferson, who is higher authority, in a respectful manner while still managing to criticize him. Banneker starts off his letter to Jefferson by calling his “Sir.” He refers to Jefferson this way because he wants to be respectful to this man who exists as a higher authority as a politician.
In 1791, Thomas Jefferson was secretary of state and Banneker considered the respected Virginian, though a slaveholder, to also be open to viewing African Americans as more than slaves. Thus, he wrote Jefferson a letter hoping that he would “readily embrace every opportunity to eradicate that train of absurd and false ideas and opinions which so generally prevail with respect to us." To further support his point, Banneker included a handwritten manuscript of an almanac for 1792, containing his astronomical calculations. In his letter, Banneker acknowledged he was “of the African race” and a free man. He recognized that he was taking “a liberty” writing to Jefferson, which would be unacceptable considering “the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is so prevalent in the world against those of my complexion.”
In paragraph 2, he alludes to the Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson helped form. The Declaration states “that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” By alluding to the Declaration Banneker shows how Jefferson, along with others who formed the Constitution, are hypocrites. Jefferson wrote that all men were created equal, and they all had unalienable rights, yet they owned slaves that were not treated equal, and not given any rights. These colonists also fought against oppression, yet they now partake in the oppression of blacks.
Benjamin Banneker was successful through the use of some words like "sir," "recall" and "grateful." Utilizing such words like these most likely made an impression on the individual whose this letter was written to, it exemplifies how African Americans aren't just property they are capable of much more and are not "savage" as some view them as. Being professional and serene in a letter on a solemn topic shows a level of sophistication that must be taken seriously, as well as justifies the idea that slavery isn't something that should be played out. Then later in the letter Banneker switches to a more strong and provocative diction. He uses this diction to truly get his point across on the board, he starts off neutral
The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and that they are guaranteed certain unalienable rights. In the Book Fahrenheit 451, Captain Beatty makes the assertion that people are rather made equal. This is why Beatty believes in the idea of burning the books, so that no man has more power or knowledge than another. In Beatty’s eyes, to be equal everyone must follow the same rules of the society they live in. However, I believe that everyone is created equal, and with the rights that everybody is given, you may choose for yourself how to act and how to succeed in society.
Banneker appeals to ethos to help his arguments. He uses great vocabulary and makes no mistakes in his letter. Furthermore, Banneker says the words, “Tranquility, benevolence, and entreat.” Banneker is using high vocabulary to make Thomas Jefferson acknowledge his argument no full of foul
The quote also appeals to Jefferson’s emotions because Banneker makes him feel guilty about slavery. Jefferson
The letter was understandably harsh and severe, but Banneker does this in such a humble manner, that his opinion on slavery can not be argued by Jefferson. Jefferson absolutely has to accept what Banneker is saying because of how he portrayed, and wrote his letter. Banneker starts the letter off with referring to Jefferson as ‘Sir’, and does this in every paragraph to solidify and ensure that he is being polite while still getting his point across. This was to make Jefferson believe what Banneker was saying, to show Jefferson that he does have respect towards him and that he is taking this letter seriously so Jefferson should too. Banneker does this to help Jefferson believe that Banneker knows what he is talking about, that he is credible, so he can fix his moral dilemma, and help him make the choice toward ending
The Mind of a Criminal Serial Killer Serial Killers, Are they Natural born killers or is this something that was instilled in the early years of development. The mind of a serial killer is very complex and confusing apparatus. I focus more on male as 90.8% of convicted serial killers have been male. While some find their crimes heinous, and that they are, and that that are, but not all are done with evil intent. This paper will explain the mental illness that some have suffered; it also goes into the possibility of psychotic breaks they might have experienced that had caused their first crime.
In order for Banneker to display his knowledge, he uses “sir” in the beginning sentences in each paragraph. “Sir, suffer me to recall to your mind…”, Banneker uses “sir” several times to show his credibility. Since Thomas Jefferson was the framer of the Declaration of Independence, Banneker has to be intelligent in order to appeal to Jefferson. Also, by repeating “sir” in each paragraph, it allows Banneker to demonstrate his respect. Banneker has also repeated “you” many times referring to Jefferson.
For one, his allusion also acts as a appeal to logos since it creates an relatability and accountability for his audience, as he backs up his information using a common religion and God. Jefferson uses an appeal to pathos to get a rise of emotion out of his audience. By doing so, he states “He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people”. Jefferson explaining all the “wrong-doings”, so to say, of Great Britain, it makes his audience more passionate about being an independent country.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. This statement by the Founding Fathers is the core disagreement between the 13 Colonies and Great Britain. Throughout this historical document, there are multiple arguments made to get the authors’ point across. The authors’ effectively use logos, ethos, and pathos to contribute to the formation of the concluding argument. Logos is used because the thesis is straight to the point and it is supported throughout the entire document.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an important figure in gaining civil rights throughout the 1960’s and he’s very deserving of that title as seen in both his “I Have a Dream” speech and his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” letter. In both of these writings Dr. King uses logos - logical persuasion - and pathos - emotional appeal - to change the opinions of people who were for segregation and against civil rights. Although King was arrested for a nonviolent protest, he still found a way to justify his actions with the use of logos and pathos. MLK uses both ways to gain the attention and agreement of the audience but, he uses pathos not just more, but in a more relatable way in order to appeal to his audience.
