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Common Purpose Of Revolutionary Speeches

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The Common Purpose of Revolutionary Speeches Popular Revolutionary speeches usually have the same main idea. The ones we remember today are all opposed to British rule and for a war against Great Britain. We remember these speeches today because of their eloquence and their effectiveness. The speakers intended to persuade their listeners to fight against Great Britain and they worked. For example, Patrick Henry’s speech at the Virginia Convention was an urge to wage war and Thomas Paine’s “The Crisis no. 1” was a pamphlet designed to inspire Colonial troops. These speeches all follow a common pattern. They introduce an issue or a series of issues and then move to address them. The authors of the speeches use imagery, metaphors, rhetorical questions, and other literary devices in order to help persuade listeners: …show more content…

Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? (Henry, 1). In Thomas Paine’s “The Crisis No. 1”, Paine also uses similar literary devices in order to begin to persuade his audience: These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country…Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. (Paine, 1). Next, the authors use logic and facts to make a strong argument and to fully persuade their audience. Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine both do this perfectly and were able to convince their audience that their opinion was correct. Patrick Henry used logic and facts in his speech to help begin the Revolutionary

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