Benjamin Banneker Rhetorical Analysis

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Slavery will forever be associated with the U.S. even though many people don’t like to think about it. There have been many debates to try and eradicate slavery due to the writings of the constitution. Benjamin Banneker, a child of former slaves, who grew up to be a scientist decided he would politely give his opinion on this topic. Banneker wrote Thomas Jefferson expressing his thoughts on the problem with slavery . Banneker uses ethos, repetition, diction, and religious appeals. Banneker uses ethos to try and get Thomas Jefferson to emotionally appeal to what he is saying. He uses the words such as injustice, unequalled, and oppression to refer to slavery. He specifically uses these words to try and get on Jefferson's emotional side. Banneker is trying to get Jefferson so feel for the hard labor and life slaves have to endure even though they are people just like him. “This Sir, was a time in which you clearly saw into the injustice of a State of Slavery, and in …show more content…
He tells Jefferson it’s his duty to “maintain the rights of human nature since he is a profound christian man and of high stature. “it is the indispensible duty of those who maintain for themselves the rights of human nature, and who profess the obligations of Christianity, to extend their power and influence to the relief of every part of the human race”. Banneker is showing he has a understanding of Jefferson’s religion and doesn’t think his opinions go hand in hand with his religion. He also uses some irony, stating that the constitution grants every man equal rights but yet slaves are being treated as they're not humans. Banneker states that Jefferson is the “Father of mankind”, yet he is condoning slavery. Banneker also implies that both him and Jefferson serve under the same God and should receive equal treatment. Banneker politely inserts his opinions while calling Jefferson out on his
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