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Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker

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Even though we don’t like to look back and fully go into depth about the issues slavery has caused our country and the ugly truth behind it, there is no denying it was there. Benjamin Banneker was one of the many people who helped push this country into a new age of freedom.
Throughout the essay, Banneker's usage of negative diction enables the reader to comprehend the extent of the oppression slaves in this time period faced. He goes on to describe slavery as “groaning captivity and cruel oppression” which serves to fulfill one of his purposes to remind Jefferson of the true horrors slaves are forced to endure. By using the word tyranny, it set a spark of fear and anger in the hearts of the readers and was a very smart tactic used by Banneker to compare the British Crown, which America fought so hard to get away from, to America then and it’s tolerance and total dependence on slavery. …show more content…
Although he previously stated how they were the same and tries to make him realize black slaves are no less human than white people, it shows Jefferson that he respects him and knows his place. Banneker also appeals to Jefferson’s emotions by reminding him of the way he feels toward and values liberty and also makes him recognize how blessed he is to be entitled to freedom. Banneker describes the horrors and injustices of slavery and complete disregard of the fact slaves are humans. By referring to them as his “brethren” he brings to light his motive that slaves are also brothers, sons, daughters, etc. which is something not many people took into

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