Jefferson...the Spinx

[ccpender]

Most obviously, Jefferson is full of contradiction. Like the Sphinx who is part human and part lion, Jefferson seems to be different entities depending on his audience. He often assimilated with his audience; he tried to “please difference constituencies, to avoid conflict with colleagues” (pg. 106). This is noted in his inconsistency and contradictory statements in reference to the Constitution. He pushed for ratification and then opposed it. It is said that when given the choice of candor and courtesy - his choice was courtesy which often left others with the feeling of hypocrisy. In his letters he used the analogy of “taking the handle by the smooth end” to explain his actions. Slavery is one of the biggest contradictions in his life – advocating slavery while being a slaveholder. As I read this book, it reminded me of the poem “The Blind Men and the Elephant” by John Godfry Saxe. As each blind man grabs a different part of the elephant, they each come away with a different impression of what an elephant is. I think this is analogous to Jefferson. Depending on what side of Jefferson is presented, whether it be his ideals on human rights or his actual day-to-day practice, an observer would depart with different perceptions of Jefferson.

[dwhannah]

It is during his party wars years that Jefferson seems to raise eyebrows concerning his behavior. The relationship between Jefferson and Madison afforded him the opportunity of working behind the scenes. Madison would be the talented spokesperson of the duo who would lead the charge while Jefferson could remain behind the scenes ( ). Thusly, it was during this time that Jefferson would gain the reputation of being an “American Sphinx”. It was the constant manipulation of the truth and the contradictions that would lead to such an appendage to be added to his name. Many felt that he did not always speak as he thought, and he would blur the lines between courtesy and deception. Although, Madison would try to shield Jefferson from the controversy; it would dog him throughout the heated political climate of the 1790’s. Many would think that it was deception on Jefferson part, consequently it lead to much discussion about where Jefferson stood on the issues and the policies that he would take part in making.