Benjamin Banneker Declaration Of Independence Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Benjamin Banneker Rhetorical Analysis The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, laid the foundations of unalienable rights, stating “That all men are created equal.” Though the Declaration states that “all men” are created equal, slaves were denied many basic human rights. In Benjamin Banneker’s passionate letter arguing against slavery to Thomas Jefferson in 1791, he utilizes rhetorical strategies in order to make his argument clear and concise. His use of repetition, and references to the past appeal to the audience’s ethos by emphasizing the moral importance of his argument in hopes of being seen as his equal, as well as pathos by evoking reflection on the unfair treatment of slaves. Banneker’s use of rhetorical strategies stresses his position in the want to eradicate slavery. His explicit use of repetition, …show more content…
First, by suggesting to Jefferson to recollect times in which he disagreed with slavery; in which Jefferson “saw into the injustice of a state of slavery;” Banneker appeals to ethos by evoking reflection of Jefferson’s own views and morals. This in turn establishes Jefferson’s dismissal of slavery as bigotry, considering he knows of the atrocious treatment of slaves. Because of Jefferson’s knowledge of the abhorrence of slavery, Banneker’s reminder that he has acknowledged the unfair treatment appeals to Jefferson’s pathos, by continuing to remind him of the repugnance of their treatment, supporting Banneker’s argument against slavery. In addition, Banneker’s constant formal recognition by calling Jefferson “sir” before each of his arguments is employed in a way as to not invalidate his stance by insulting his status, which is ironic considering Banneker’s entire reason for writing this letter was because slaves’ status in America during this time was so dismissed that they were denied rights from the Declaration. This use of