Benjamin Banneker was an extremely accomplished man, being a farmer, astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and author. Taking his background as the son of two former slaves into account, the fact that he was an advocate for the abolition of slavery is unsurprising. In 1791, he wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson which acted as a call to action to move towards equality for all. In the letter, he employs many rhetorical strategies in order to portray his point of view, including tone, comparison, and the use of argumentative appeals. Thomas Jefferson is a man of great power. He is one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence, the framer of said document, and secretary of state to the president. Banneker is aware of all of this, and he
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He uses logos in order to add unbiased evidence to his argument with the direct quote from the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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.” This provides support for Banneker’s argument in such a way that it becomes irrefutable. Banneker also uses pathos in order to ensure that Jefferson will realize that the issue of slavery is serious. This is seen when Banneker discusses what slaves go through in America. “You should at the same time counteract his mercies in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren under groaning captivity and cruel oppression…” This appeals to Jefferson’s sense of guilt, and his empathy, for it is impossible not to feel something when presented with a statement that presents the struggle of slaves in such a way.
In conclusion, Benjamin Banneker’s letter to Thomas Jefferson is a prime example of how one can eloquently express their point of view using tone, comparison, and the use of argumentative appeals. Banneker employs these rhetorical strategies admirably, and thus should be admired for his steps taken to ensure that the abolition of slavery would come sooner rather than
He uses logos in order to add unbiased evidence to his argument with the direct quote from the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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.” This provides support for Banneker’s argument in such a way that it becomes irrefutable. Banneker also uses pathos in order to ensure that Jefferson will realize that the issue of slavery is serious. This is seen when Banneker discusses what slaves go through in America. “You should at the same time counteract his mercies in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren under groaning captivity and cruel oppression…” This appeals to Jefferson’s sense of guilt, and his empathy, for it is impossible not to feel something when presented with a statement that presents the struggle of slaves in such a way.
In conclusion, Benjamin Banneker’s letter to Thomas Jefferson is a prime example of how one can eloquently express their point of view using tone, comparison, and the use of argumentative appeals. Banneker employs these rhetorical strategies admirably, and thus should be admired for his steps taken to ensure that the abolition of slavery would come sooner rather than