Benjamin Banneker Letter To Jefferson Analysis

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In the late 18th Century, slavery was a controversial topic. Notable figures in american history had nothing against slavery and this caused outrage among the public. Benjamin Banneker was on of thousands who spoke out against. In fact, he wrote a letter to secretary of state, Thomas Jefferson. Through this letter, Banneker hoped to persuade Jefferson into changing his opinion of slavery by referring to Jefferson’s past works, incorporating religion, and being respectful of Jefferson despite a disagreement. Thomas Jefferson played a large role in the framing of the Declaration of Independence. This document’s most famous lines state that “all men are created equal” and everyone has the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In this letter, these lines serve as an allusion because it refers to Jefferson’s own work. He alludes to the Declaration of the
He was an author, farmer, and mathematician but he was not a politician. With that idea in mind, he needed to find a common ground between Jefferson, a politician, and himself. For this, he used religion because, after all, they believed in the same God. Banneker place guilt on Jefferson by saying that the right of freedom and tranquility are the “peculiar blessing of Heaven.” Since they come from God, Banneker believes that everyone deserves them and not just white people. He also refers to Job in the Bible. Banneker rederences Job in the Bible by including the advice, “put your souls in their souls stead, you hearts shall be enlarged with kindness and benevolence towards them, and you need neither direction of myself or others to proceed herein.” This helps to persuade Jefferson to honestly feel what the slaves are feeling and what it would be like to be in their place. Once he has understood what is actually happening Jefferson would not need the help of anyone but himself the rights of slaves just as fair as those of