Unit One Test Review: Banneker's Letter to Jefferson

Unit One Test Review: Banneker's Letter to Jefferson

Kind Yet Bold!

Jefferson was not president yet, but he served as Secretary of State at the time of this letter.

Banneker is therefore very respectful of Jefferson’s position and authority in the first two paragraphs, yet bold enough to point out that Jefferson “should be found guilty of that criminal act” for his participation in slavery.

Multiple Select

Banneker was gifted in many areas. Check all of his talents and occupations.

• land surveyor

• mathematician

• astrologer

• farmer

• inventor

Open Ended

Banneker was a talented writer as well, and he used his skills to persuade Thomas Jefferson to abolish slavery in one of the first examples of a protest document in American history! How did he make sure that Thomas Jefferson would receive and read his letter?

Poll

Which rhetorical strategy do you think Benjamin Banneker used most in his letter to Thomas Jefferson?

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

Sir, I have reason to believe that you are less prejudiced in these matters than many others. I have heard reports that you are well disposed toward us, and that you are willing and ready to help in combatting our oppression. Now, sir, if this is founded in truth, I trust you will embrace every opportunity to combat the absurd and false ideas and opinions held by so many about us. It is my hope that like myself you believe that one universal Lord hath given being to us all. Further, I trust you believe that he hath given us all the same feelings and abilities, so that however different we are in situation or color, we are all of the same family. Sir, let us suppose you do indeed hold these ideas to be true. Then, I hope you will admit it is a Christian's sacred duty to help every part of the human race escape from oppression, regardless of their race. Which argument is most effective in understanding Banneker's appeal to Jefferson?

• Banneker asserts that racism and prejudice are the same sentiment.

• Banneker tells Jefferson, if you truly believe in your sacred ideas of liberty you will fight for the emancipation of black people.

• Banneker criticizes Jefferson for his work on the Declaration of Independence.

Multiple Choice

How pitiable is it to reflect that at the same time you believed it proper for a numerous portion of my brethren to be held in groaning captivity and under cruel oppression. How unfortunate that you should be found guilty of that most criminal act, depriving a man of his liberty. You were guilty of the very crime you claimed to detest in others. I suppose that your knowledge of the situation of my brethren is too extensive to need a recital here. Neither shall I presume to prescribe methods by which they may be relieved of their suffering, other than by recommending to you and all others that you "put your soul in their souls' stead." Thus shall your hearts be enlarged with kindness and benevolence toward them. Once your sympathy has been awakened, I am sure you will not need the direction of myself or others. You will be certain of the best direction in which to proceed. Banneker believes that

• Jefferson will help as soon as he can.

• Jefferson will help as soon as he speaks to his brethren.

• Jefferson will be moved by his respectful requests.

• Jefferson will have to assist him once he takes time to empathize.

Multiple Select

Now that you have read Banneker's letter to Jefferson, which rhetorical appeals were used most?

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Banneker powerfully uses ethos, logos and pathos! Let's review some of the examples.

Multiple Choice

Now, sir, if this is founded in truth, I trust you will embrace every opportunity to combat the absurd and false ideas and opinions held by so many about us

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

Banneker repeats the word “sir”. Sir, I have reason to believe that you are less prejudiced in these matters than many others. I have heard reports that you are well disposed toward us...

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

How pitiable is it to reflect that at the same time you believed it proper for a numerous portion of my brethren to be held in groaning captivity and under cruel oppression.

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

The author most likely chooses words such as “distinguished” and “dignified” in order to create the following tone?

• A. Anger and contempt toward a distinguished member of the government

• B. Reverence and respect for a leader with influence and power

• C. Seriousness and gravity toward an impactful topic

• D. Submission and compliance for a situation in which he was powerless

Multiple Choice

Which statement BEST reflects one of the author's beliefs?

• A. Even though he is black, his experiences have been different from other African Americans.

• B. He is grateful to Jefferson for fighting for equality for all people, regardless of their race.

• C. The public views him as equal to Jefferson in intelligence, popularity, and political station

• D. He is obligated, as a Christian and an African American, to fight to end slavery and the oppression of his race.

Multiple Choice

Read the following selection from the letter.

Although sympathy for my brethren led to my remarks thus far, touching on these matters was not my original reason for writing you. My purpose was to present you with a copy of my almanac, which I have calculated for the upcoming year. It provides much useful information about sunrises and sunsets, tides, weather patterns and the best dates for planting crops. As I began composing a message to accompany my gift, I was unavoidably led to the other subjects I have addressed.

How would Jefferson likely respond to this claim?

• A. with praise for Banneker's confidence in his almanac

• B. with doubt that the almanac was the real purpose of the letter

• C. with criticism for writing so much about other issues

• D. with great thanks to Banneker for the valuable gift