Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker

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Benjamin Banneker was an extremely well educated African American. His education was rather unique, because in 1700s, when Banneker lived, many African Americans were slaves, and very few were educated. He wrote a letter to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, in 1791. The letter discussed slavery in the United States. Banneker chose to write to Jefferson because Jefferson had political power, and he wrote the Declaration of Independence, a document which proclaims that all men are created equal. In writing to Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Banneker called Jefferson out on his hypocrisy concerning slavery, and he also informed Jefferson that he could do something about slavery. Banneker achieved his purpose through rhetorical techniques such as …show more content…
Banneker mentions the rights that all men have, given to them by their creator. Banneker implies that slaves are created by the same God as Jefferson, and Banneker’s intended for this to make Jefferson feel guilty about degrading slaves. When Jefferson feels shame, Banneker can more easily convince him to work on behalf of the slaves. In the third paragraph, Jefferson’s spiritual shame settles in. Banneker brings up all of the blessings that Heaven has bestowed on Jefferson, and makes Jefferson feel extremely guilty for not advocating for the slaves. Banneker mentions God and spirituality to show that he and Jefferson have something in common, and prepare to shame Jefferson.
Banneker writes to Jefferson with the purpose of exposing Jefferson’s hypocrisy, and convincing Jefferson to fight for the slaves. He accomplishes this purpose through several rhetorical techniques, such as a respectful tone and shame. Banneker’s letter not only represents the principles of those who argued for an end to slavery, but worked to influence Jefferson’s opinion in opposition of
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