In 1791, Benjamin Banneker, a self-educated African American scientist and mathematician, wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson, then the Secretary of State, to address the issue of slavery and racism in the United States. The letter, which was a response to Jefferson's own views on race and slavery as expressed in Notes on the State of Virginia, is a powerful example of rhetorical analysis and an impassioned plea for justice and equality.
One of the key rhetorical strategies that Banneker employs in his letter is the use of logic and reason. He presents a series of arguments and examples that challenge Jefferson's beliefs about the inherent inferiority of African Americans and the justification for their enslavement. For instance, Banneker points out that African Americans have the same physical and intellectual capabilities as white people, citing examples of successful and accomplished black individuals. He also points out the hypocrisy of the American Revolution, which was fought for the principles of liberty and equality, yet allowed for the continued enslavement of a significant portion of the population.
Another rhetorical strategy that Banneker employs is the use of emotional appeals. He appeals to the sense of compassion and humanity of his readers, urging them to consider the suffering and oppression that African Americans have endured. He writes, "Can it be supposed that those who so highly applaud the righteous deeds of their ancestors, and who so warmly espouse the cause of liberty, would degrade a part of their fellow-creatures from the rank of human beings, and contend for their enslavement?" By highlighting the moral inconsistencies of slavery and racism, Banneker hopes to inspire a sense of outrage and a desire for change among his readers.
Banneker also uses rhetorical questions, repetition, and parallelism to emphasize his points and to drive home the urgency of his message. For example, he repeatedly asks Jefferson and other white Americans to consider the "injustice and cruelty" of slavery and to "weigh the matter with candor and impartiality." By using rhetorical questions and parallel structures, Banneker creates a sense of momentum and a call to action, urging his readers to confront the difficult truths of their own history and to work towards a more just and equal society.
In conclusion, Benjamin Banneker's letter to Thomas Jefferson is a masterful example of rhetorical analysis. Through the use of logical arguments, emotional appeals, rhetorical questions, repetition, and parallelism, Banneker effectively challenges Jefferson's beliefs about race and slavery and calls for justice and equality. His letter remains an important and powerful statement on the issues of racism and slavery, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the United States and around the world.
The Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter
Banneker expresses this by using rhetorical strategies; repetition, irony, and pathos. The author uses quotes, diction and rhetorical questions to develop and support his claims. Similarly to the event of the holocaust, Banneker was trying to work towards a common goal to abolish slavery with the help of Thomas Jefferson. For example, in Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3, it discusses how representation would be given to the enslaved African Americans, also known as the Three Fifths Compromise. His style is very unique in all of his writings, and different from other authors. To begin, Banneker uses an intricate choice of words to express how unhappy he is with slavery and those who allow it.
Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson
His use of syntax is strong because three of the four paragraphs contain a single sentence perhaps showing that these hardships seemed to have no end, but also to build up anticipation, almost forcing the reader to continue. Benjamin Banneker was an independent man who was fighting to change the view of slaves that the american people had adopted. The 'Second Inaugural' was very influential, formal, and emotional. In this speech delivered by John F. Using this gruesome diction permits Jefferson to vividly visualize the horror of black slaves in America. The sentence from above represents how under British rule people were treated unjustly, which lead to the colonist claiming independence from Britain. Within his letter to Thomas Jefferson, Banneker brings attention to how Jefferson had acknowledged the immoral conditions brought upon the slaves, yet he had implemented no actions to bring an end to the enslavement of his people.
Rhetorical Analysis on Benjamin Banneker's Letter to Thomas Jefferson Essay
This forces Jefferson to realize his own participation and complacency in the injustice Banneker and other Black people in the country are facing. Benjamin Banneker, the son of former slaves, wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson to argue against slavery. In conclusion, Kennedy use of diction, emotional appeals, and a persuasive tone convince Americans to change their opinion and despise the steel companies. Banneker 1791 desperately wants for people of religious beliefs and lighter complexion to stand up against slavery and in essence practice what they The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin Rhetorical Analysis 1188 Words 5 Pages Audience as an Influencer When writing any type of composition, is the author consciously aware of who their audience will be? As a result, he will be more likely to cease and denounce his practice of slavery. This is something Benjamin Banneker may relate to since he wrote a letter about the hypocrisy in the Declaration of Independence. Essentially compelling Jefferson to reflect on why he was against large-scale injustice in the past, but supports and participates in it in the present. Banneker presents his argument by stating that Thomas Jefferson has freedom because of heaven, and he should extend the same right to everyone else.
