Benjamin Banneker, a son of former slaves, lived his life as an astronomer, farmer, mathematician, surveyor, and author. In 1791 Banneker wrote to Thomas Jefferson, the framer of the Declaration of Independence, about the hypocrisy of slavery in America. To address this issue, Banneker uses comparison, emotional diction, and biblical allusions in attempts of persuading Jefferson to change his views of slavery in American society.
Banneker begins his letter with a respectful and empathetic tone towards the oppression that colonists experienced under British control, recalling the “variety of dangers to which you [colonists] were exposed” under the “tyranny of the British Crown”. Banneker’s tone establishes that he respects Jefferson as an individual, but also wants to draw on the shared oppression that colonists and African slaves have experienced. The purpose …show more content…
Banneker refers to slavery as a violent “groaning captivity” and “cruel oppression”. It was evident Jefferson “had just apprehensions of the horrors of its [slavery’s] condition” and yet cannot see the corollary between the two. This vivid and emotional diction emphasizes the oppressive truth of slavery in America and the harmful affects it has on slave’s lives. This diction causes Jefferson to see the reality of slavery and how he morally should make an effort to change this practice. Banneker continues by personally identifying with the slaves by saying “my brethren” multiple times. This phrase “my brethren” emphasizes that slavery is a personal and real issue; implying to Jefferson, that he might not have realized the impact this practice has on people. Banneker wants to appeal to Jefferson’s emotions and morality by explicitly showing the awfulness of slavery and its negative affects on people’s lives, in order to make Jefferson want to spark changes for