Benjamin Banneker Nov. 19

Do Now – 5 Min “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal” What does this line from the Declaration of Independence mean to you? Do you believe the original authors meant to apply this to all or some? Explain your answer.

Last Class… Text: Declaration of Independence Author: Thomas Jefferson Focus: The Break-Up Letter Between American and Britain Strategies: Appeals Charged Words Rhetorical Devices

In Perspective… The Declaration itself is non-persuasive since there is not a specific call to action. What would be different if it were written as a persuasive piece? Would it be as effective?

Rhetoric Logos – Appeal to Logic Ethos – Appeal to Ethics: Right thing to Do Pathos – Appeal To Emotions

All Men Are Created Equal? Jefferson Believed Slavery to Be Immoral Jefferson maintained and owned Slaves Jefferson believed whites were superior to Africans Women at the time have little to no rights No power at the ballot box

Background Banneker wrote this letter to Jefferson along with a Manuscript of his Almanac Banneker spent 2 Weeks Working on the letter Jefferson responded and even forwarded his Almanac – Lead to Being Published Jefferson Hires Him to help Plan & Survey Washington D. C.

The Text Section: Benjamin Banneker’s Letter to Jefferson Focus: Analyzing use of Rhetorical Devices to argue against slavery

Task 1: Read the Prompt Answer the Following: To whom is Banneker addressing his letter? How many parents does Banneker have? What is your task?

Prompt Banneker is addressing Thomas Jefferson only. Banneker is the son “of former slaves” not “of a former slave.” Your task is to analyze how Banneker uses rhetorical strategies…so be sure that you are identifying and explaining the effect of certain strategies and devices.

Step 2: Read Section 1 Time: 5 Minutes Identify Logos/Ethos/Pathos Answer the Following: In the first paragraph, what historical event is Banneker reminding Jefferson of and why? What words and lines in paragraph one demonstrate a respectful tone?

Paraphrase – 5 Minutes Working Together: Re-Write paragraph one in a way that would make sense for us today This should not change the meaning of what Banneker is saying

Step 3: Read Section 2 Time: 5 Minutes Identify Logos/Ethos/Pathos Answer the Following: What document is Banneker reminding Jefferson of and why? What seems to be his tone, how is it created, and why?

Paraphrase Working Together: Re-Write paragraph one in a way that would make sense for us today This should not change the meaning of what Banneker is saying

Step 4 – Read Section 3 Time: 10 Minutes Identify Logos/Ethos/Pathos Answer the Following: In the third paragraph, where does Banneker’s tone shift from respectful to critical? What line signals this shift? How does he create this new tone and why?

Paraphrase Working Together: Re-Write paragraph one in a way that would make sense for us today This should not change the meaning of what Banneker is saying

Step 5 – Read Section 4 Time: 10 Minutes Identify Logos/Ethos/Pathos Answer the Following: What is Banneker asking Jefferson (and other whites) to do? How does this connect to his message and purpose in paragraphs 1 and 2? What seems to be his tone here at the end, how is it created, and why?

Paraphrase Working Together: Re-Write paragraph one in a way that would make sense for us today This should not change the meaning of what Banneker is saying

Exit 6-10 Sentences Which rhetorical device is most effective for Banneker to argue against slavery? Use at least 2 examples from the text to support your reason.