Benjamin Banneker's Argument Against Slavery

Benjamin Banneker, the son of former slaves, had written a letter addressed to Thomas Jefferson (the current secretary of state) in which was arguing against slavery. Throughout this letter, Banneker expresses his negative feelings and views on the issue of slavery. In order to achieve this purpose, he uses repetition, diction, and various religious appeals. Throughout this letter, Banneker utilizes diction numerous times in his argument against slavery. He refers to slavery as a “cruel oppression,” “groaning captivity,” and an “injustice.” Each of these words or phrases represents the difficulty of being a slave and the terrible conditions they endure. The author even makes his argument personal by saying that these words affect his “brethren.” By using this emotional diction, Banneker makes it clear to Jefferson that slaves aren’t things, but people with feelings. Slaves are human beings which, Jefferson (as well as many other people) didn’t realize at the time. Banneker also tries to evoke a feeling of guilt in Jefferson and call for a radical change by showing the effects of Jefferson’s actions on real people. In order to maintain a polite disposition throughout this letter, Banneker repeatedly
refers to Jefferson as “sir.” At the start of the letter, he opens with “sir” and repeats it six times before the end. This shows that although Banneker doesn’t agree with Jefferson’s opinion, he still has respect for him and his position. This also makes it clear that Banneker isn’t trying to anger Jefferson but rather to reason with him and share his opinion. By repeating “sir” numerous times, it makes it difficult for Jefferson to become angry and frustrated with him, especially since he is repeatedly showing him the utmost respect. Banneker uses several religious appeals in order to attack Jefferson’s pro-slavery position.
For instance, he states that while Jefferson is “fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father,” he “counteracts his mercies” by allowing slavery to continue. This serves to attack Jefferson. This religious appeal is meant to bond Banneker and Jefferson under a common God. This demonstrates to Jefferson that Banneker has a mutual religious understanding. While this religious appeal ties the two men together, it also reprimands Jefferson. Banneker chooses to reprimand him under the eyes of God. Banneker’s reprimanding is very important because it is not the son of former slaves passing judgement, but rather a religious follower exemplifying Jefferson’s
sins.