Patrick Henry Speech Analysis

In Patrick Henry’s “Speech of the Virginia Convention”, he tries to persuade colonists to fight a war against the English. When Patrick Henry delivered his speech, it was a time of rebellion He did this speech to tell the people, there is no other option, but to go to war. To persuade the people, he must use several main rhetorical devices. For example, he uses these rhetorical devices, to appeal to the people: ethos, pathos, and parallelism. He does a good job throughout this speech convincing people to go to war. One quote that ties the whole speech together is, “Give me liberty, or give me death.” In this quote, Henry says that he would rather die, than live in a world, with no freedom.

Henry’s diction portrays the British as untrustworthy and dishonorable. In the beginning of his speech, Henry states that he considers the need of independence from the British “nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery.” The words “freedom” and “slavery” are provided as ultimatums in which one can only have one, not both. The negative connotation conveyed through the word “slavery” make the delegates in the convention compare their situation of being ruled by the Britains to that of a slave and slave owner, leading to the consensus of the immorality displayed by the British. Therefore the delegates feel the absolute power the British have over the American colonists which incites a fear over their lack of control. The word “freedom” is most commonly associated with something one must fight to win. Through this word, Henry is able to imply to his audience that the Americans must fight with the Britains in order to gain freedom. In addition, when describing the military preparations the British are taking, Henry expresses that “these war-like preparations … cover American

March 23rd, 1775, Patrick Henry speaks at the Virginia Convention. While everyone else wants to tip toe around the fact of war and wants to keep the peace. Patrick Henry doesn’t and gives it to everyone straight in his words, “- give me liberty or give me death!” I will be giving a rhetorical analysis breaking down each and every piece of his speech.

An appeal to emotion assists Henry in convincing his listeners that his purpose is important. For instance, anger and oppression creates inspiration to listen and take action towards the issue. Although pathos significantly helps persuade, the blend of rhetorical devices ultimately allows Henry to successfully achieve his

“They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging”(2). This metaphor negatively portrays Britain as a master and America is its slave; in conjunction, this also speaks for his tone towards another country as negative compared to his tone regarding America as positive. “Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us”(3). Stating to the delegates a call to action, Henry elucidates that America has three million patriots ready to fight and die for their country to maintain liberty and, because of this, are invincible. There is also a God who help them win their battles because the cause is just. Henry’s display of overflowing trust of American people and the support from an omnipotent being promotes a confident and patriotic response to the delegates in the room thinking that they cannot lose to

Henry uses ethos, an appeal to a power higher than himself, to gain the trust of those on the opposing side. Firstly, he opens with a statement meant to make him appear more trustworthy in the eyes of the House, referring to his “patriotism”, which is proven to be an allegiance to the idea of the United States rather than to Britain. Furthermore, he mentions that he is “willing to know the whole truth” and to endure “whatever anguish of spirit it may cause”, to the same effect. Henry also appeals to the reader’s

Both Edwards and Henry were very effective on influencing and persuading their listeners with the approaches they used. Because their audiences and purposes were different, they had to use the types of approaches they did to have the most effect. Edwards can’t ask rhetorical questions in his sermon to get people to see the wrong that they are committing, and Henry can’t force his ideas on people in a political environment with scaring them. In conclusion, Edwards’s and Henry’s orations had some similarities, but were very

Throughout his speech, Henry predominantly appeals to the passions of common people. The purpose of this speech was to encourage the Virginians to

Henry stated, “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights (Henry).” Henry recognizes the evident differences in beliefs that the colonist has. Henry goes on in his speech to say, “The question before House is one of awful moment to this country, and I consider is as nothing less than question of freedom or slavery (Henry).” Henry determines the colonists must make an ultimate decision. By utilizing the words ‘slavery’ and ‘freedom’, he created a hope for the colonist to hold onto and to create fear in the colonies. Henry appeals to the colonist’s religion because it was relevant to the revolutionary cause. Henry stated, “Should I keep back my opinions at a such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason toward my country, and an act of disability toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings (Henry).” Henry denounced the King when he stated Majesty of Heaven. Doing this, he informs the colonists that God was on their side. By associating God with the war, Henry utilized the use of pathos and ethos. Patrick Henry’s speech refutes his opponent’s beliefs that there was no need for battle with the British. Henry stated, “It is natural to man to indulge in the

Patrick Henry and his rally cry for America In March 1775, America is in turmoil as British forces make camp in Boston, but the colonists have reached a standstill. Inaction has set in and the lack of movement could cost them the war. However, Patrick Henry delivers his famous speech, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”, and it moves the audience to action.

In 1775, Patrick Henry gave America one of the most inspiring speeches that will bring soon bring them together with war on the rise. “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” has become the battle-cry to the people in the colonies to take a stand against Britain’s rule and make America their own country. Even after the attempted peace between the two countries, it has been exhausted to the breaking point, and it has come to the time where fighting for their own freedom is the only viable option. Henry’s speech spoke volumes to the American people of the truth, the false presence of peace, and the cry for battle against Britain.

The principal thing Henry did when giving his discourse has he complimented his adversaries, so as to pick up their appreciation and trust. Since the group of onlookers regards Henry, they will be all the more eager to listen to what it is he needs to say. He then requests absolution ahead of time for anything he says that may affront or annoy them or any other individual. Henry legitimizes the reason for his discourse, utilizing a false problem to make the group of onlookers trusts that there are just two choices when truth be told, there are some more. The two alternatives he gives them are an opportunity and subjection. Henry then goes on and makes a reference to God and America, as an approach to associate with his gathering of people.

Within Patrick Henry's speech, he states, ?? it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth.? Here he is talking about the people in the House of Burgesses not realizing that the British are infringing on their rights as citizens.

Patrick Henry uses a patriotic tone in his speech to persuade his audience as to Jonathan Edwards’s uses a harsh tone in his sermon to persuade his audience. For instance, in Henry's speech, he says "No man thinks more highly than I do of patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very gentlemen who have just addressed the House". Henry is saying the