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Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter To Thomas Jefferson

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Benjamin Banneker wrote to Thomas Jefferson, the purpose of the letter was to argue against slavery. Banneker relies on the use of rhetorical devices to supply back up for his side of the argument. In addition, Banneker is a well-educated man (see farmer, astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and author) so he can use his education to impress Jefferson with his smarts and logicalness. Throughout the letter to Jefferson, Banneker addresses Jefferson in the highest regard. Whenever he begins a new paragraph he calls Jefferson “Sir.” This is done out of respect and admiration. While he is referring to Jefferson with all due respect he is also slipping meaning and, actually, being quite rude to Jefferson. The content of the essay is quite the contrast

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