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Benjamin Banneker

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Benjamin Banneker is the son of former slaves and a very well accomplished man. With many different occupations, he is well spoken and articulate in his letter to Thomas Jefferson in which he argues against slavery. As a son of former slaves Benjamin Banneker explains why the social crimes that the colonies faced should apply to slaves as well. In the history of the United States, slavery is a part that the nation would like to overlook but we cannot. Benjamin Banneker wrote to Thomas Jefferson about his feeling against slavery where he implements several cases of repetition and takes the point of view of Thomas Jefferson himself. Banneker uses repetition by starting every paragraph with Sir, this sir, or here sir. By starting with a phrase with sir, he shows respect to Thomas Jefferson. This also hints that Benjamin Banneker feels that Thomas Jefferson is a well enough respected man to make the decision of opposing slavery. Benjamin Banneker not only shows the utmost respect to Thomas Jefferson, but also takes the point of view of Jefferson’s struggle. This letter was written in 1791, 15 years after the declaration of independence was written. The Declaration of Independence was written because the colonies did not feel free and equal to the British and in the Declaration of Independence states “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” Benjamin Banneker puts himself in Thomas Jefferson’s shoes and explains to Thomas Jefferson that he knows how Jefferson felt about the great valuation liberty and asks why it does not apply to his race.
Benjamin Banneker strikes a personal chord with his letter to Thomas Jefferson by using writing strategies like repetition and point of view. Although just an African American with not many rights in 1791, Banneker takes a huge step in writing to Thomas Jefferson arguing against slavery.

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