A Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter

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Benjamin Banneker was the son of former slaves, who later became an author. In the year 1791 Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson arguing against slavery. He, being the son of former slaves, portrayed an indigent yet sardonic tone throughout his letter. Mr. Banneker was upset about the continuation of slavery after the signing of the Declaration of Independence which stated, “...all men are created equal… and (should have) certain unalienable rights…” This document that helped the United States break away from the English’s tyrannical and unfair leadership should have endowed each American with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but Banneker sees that the esteemed document fell short of its goal and he is outraged.
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