Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter

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In 1791, Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson, the Secretary of State at that time, regarding the injustice that the African population faced in America and the belief of black freedom. In the letter, Banneker uses repetition, allision, and irony to support his argument against slavery.
Allusion is is one of the types of rhetorical strategies Banneker used in his letter. Allusion is when the writer mentions other work, or refers to an earlier use of their own work. This was shown in two different ways throughout the letter, biblical allusion and historical allusion. Banneker uses historical allusion to hold Jefferson accountable for his own words. Banneker ironically uses this rhetorical strategy by quoting Thomas Jefferson himself stating, “We hold these truths to be self- evident, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” With these words, Banneker uses Jefferson against himself. Jefferson says, “all men …show more content…
Repetition was used throughout his letter in multiple ways; such as anaphora. His use of anaphora demonstrates manners and respect to the person he is writing. For example, Banneker uses a respectful and controlled tone when addressing Thomas Jefferson as ‘sir’ in the beginning of each paragraph. This contributes to the meaning of this letter by showing how Banneker feels towards Franklin. Banneker appears to initially addresses Jefferson with respect, however his tone is controlled and holds authority. Generally speaking, people want to maintain their integrity, people want to maintain their name; especially when in the light of the public. Banneker uses Jefferson’s own words to hold him accountable. How can you, Secretary of State, say that you believe all men are equal when you yourself, own men and treat them with such violence under a groaning captivity and cruel
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