The Theme of Freedom Comes Again at the Beginning of Act 2 What Is Henry Saying About It

Counselor: Robert A. Ferguson, George Edward Woodberry Professor in Law, Literature and Criticism, Columbia University, National Humanities Center Fellow
Copyright National Humanities Eye, 2015

What arguments, appeals, and rhetorical strategies did Patrick Henry use in 1775 to persuade reluctant members of the 2nd Virginia Convention to develop a military response to British assailment?

Understanding

In 1775 American independence was not a foregone conclusion. While there had been unrest and resistance in Massachusetts with scattered acts of back up from other areas, no organized movement toward revolution existed across the Colonies. Virginia ranked among the largest, wealthiest, and most populous colonies in 1775, and her political and military support for independence would be crucial for success. In this speech Patrick Henry (1736–1799) uses powerful rhetoric to convince influential, affluent, landed men of Virginia with much to lose to motion past their current diplomatic posture opposing British aggression to the more treasonous one of open war machine preparedness.

Patrick Henry, 1736–1799

Text

Patrick Henry, speech to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775.

Text Type

Speech, non-fiction.

Text Complexity

Grade xi-CCR complexity band.

For more than information on text complexity see these resource from achievethecore.org.

In the Text Analysis section, Tier 2 vocabulary words are defined in pop-ups, and Tier 3 words are explained in brackets.

Click hither for standards and skills for this lesson.

X

Common Cadre Country Standards

• ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1 (cite testify to analyze specifically and by inference)
• ELA-LITERACY.RI.eleven-12.4 (make up one's mind the significant of words and phrases)
• ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6 (determine author's point of view)

Advanced Placement US History

• Primal Concept three.1 (IIB) (arguments about rights of British subjects, the rights of the private,…)

Teacher'due south Note

In this lesson students will deconstruct Patrick Henry'due south famous speech to explore the tools of effective persuasion, including appeals, rhetorical strategies, and classical statement. This is a persuasive spoken language, ane intended not only to present an argument only also to persuade the audience to human activity. While the speech can be used to investigate issues of freedom, ability, and rights of the governed, this lesson focuses upon effective rhetoric. The speech includes several Biblical allusions — revolutionary rhetoricians often used Biblical references because it immune them to speak more than strongly against U.k. without using overtly treasonous speech communication.

The text of this speech is well known; less well known is the fact that there was no actual transcript created of Henry's speech — afterwards all, these discussions smacked of treason, and keeping a written record would have been dangerous. In an environment of digital media and globe-wide instant advice, students may wonder how Henry's words were preserved. This spoken communication was recreated in 1817 by William Wirt of Maryland, who published the get-go biography of Patrick Henry. Wirt drew upon materials nerveless outset in 1808, including interviews with those who knew Henry and those who were present when the speech was delivered. For an electronic version of Wirt's volume, visit this link: Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry.

The provenance of the spoken language all the same, Henry's words provide a rich source to study rhetorical strategies and classical argument, and that study is the focus of this lesson. This text divides into four sections aligned to the organization of classical argument.

1. The first ii paragraphs course the introduction (Exordium). The Exordium attempts to engage the audition, to prepare them for the message to come, and to explain the purpose (thesis) of the speech.
2. The tertiary paragraph provides the argument of fact (Narratio) and argument (Confirmatio). The Narratio contextualizes the argument, presenting any groundwork information necessary, while the Confirmatio explains the evidence that supports the thesis.
3. The fourth paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments (Refutatio).
4. The last paragraph forms the conclusion (Peroratio). The Peroratio serves several purposes: to restate an statement, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses.

Each paragraph is accompanied by a number of shut reading questions designed to invite student analysis in four major areas: classical argument construction, diction and syntax, rhetorical strategies, and argumentative appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos).

This lesson is divided into two parts, both accessible below. The teacher's guide includes a background note, the text analysis with responses to the shut reading questions, access to the interactive exercises, and a follow-up consignment. The student'due south version, an interactive PDF, contains all of the above except the responses to the close reading questions and the follow-upwardly assignment.

Teacher's Guide (continues beneath) Background notation Text analysis and close reading questions with answer cardinal Interactive exercises Follow-up consignment

Student Version (click to open up) Interactive PDF Background annotation Text analysis and shut reading questions Interactive exercises

Teacher'south Guide

Background

Background Questions

1. What kind of text are we dealing with?
2. When was it written?
3. Who wrote it?
4. For what audition was it intended?
5. For what purpose was it written?

In 1775 unrest bubbled through the American Colonies. United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland had severely restricted Massachusetts through the Intolerable Acts; towns were voting to boycott British goods, and British soldiers were becoming a common sight in the American Colonies. In this lesson yous will explore a famous speech by Patrick Henry (1736–1799), member of the Second Virginia Convention. Patrick Henry is not speaking in the Virginia House of Burgesses [the state legislature] in Williamsburg because it had been dissolved the year before past Royal Governor Dunmore. Resenting this British interference with local government, the members of the House of Burgesses regrouped as a state convention. In club to avoid any interference from British troops, the 2d Convention of approximately 120 delegates met in Richmond, Virginia, from March 20 through March 27.

The American Colonies were attempting to negotiate with British in 1775, and many of Henry's fellow delegates wanted to wait until these negotiations were completed before taking activity. Merely Henry felt that delay would be a major mistake. On March 23, 1775, he asked the Virginia Convention to take a defensive stance immediately against Great Britain by raising an armed company in every Virginia canton — an action considered by many to be open treason. His speech communication reflected language and actions far more than radical that his fellow delegates were willing to go in public, but Henry based his asking upon the assumption that even more aggressive armed forces deportment by the British would soon follow. Twenty-7 days after this spoken language was delivered the Battles of Lexington and Concur proved Henry correct.

In this lesson you will look at Patrick Henry's speech and analyze his methods for disarming his fellow members of the Virginia Convention to have a armed services stance against the British. These delegates were wealthy and powerful and they had much to lose; Henry'due south request was a big decision that many of them were reluctant to make. Henry used not simply rhetorical devices but also the strategies of classical argument, making a potentially confusing situation simple and straightforward as he attempted to motion all his fellow delegates toward the same result. His recommendations were accustomed past the Convention.

The speech divides into the 4 parts of a classical argument, defined below. Equally you analyze the individual parts of the spoken communication, look also for how these parts of the argument work together.

1. The kickoff two paragraphs form the introduction (Exordium). The Exordium attempts to engage the audience, preparing them for the message to come up, and to explain the purpose (thesis) of the spoken communication.
2. The tertiary paragraph provides the statement of fact (Narratio) and argument (Confirmatio). The Narratio contextualizes the argument, presenting any groundwork data necessary, while the Confirmatio lays out in order the bear witness to support the thesis.
3. The quaternary paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments (Refutatio).
4. The final paragraph forms the conclusion (Peroratio). The Peroratio may perform several purposes: to restate an statement, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audition, and to rouse emotional responses.

Text Assay

Paragraph 1: Exordium

Close Reading Questions

Activeness: Vocabulary
Acquire definitions by exploring how words are used in context.

1. The starting time paragraph of classical argument, the exordium, seeks to engage the audition and prepare them to hear the speaker'due south message. Give an example in this paragraph of an attempt to engage the audience and an case of an attempt to gear up the audience.
Henry seeks to engage his audience by showing his respect for them. He recognizes and compliments the patriotism and abilities of the other members of the Convention in his first sentence (note that Henry continues to accost the torso as the Business firm). He prepares his audience past expresses the hope that they will evidence him the same respect when he states in sentence 2, "I hope it volition not be idea disrespectful…" Even though he will be speaking contrary to what has been previously presented, he reminds his audition that they are all colleagues past referring to the entire group, as in sentence 6, "nosotros can hope to go far at the truth."

two. Another role of the exordium is to explain the purpose of the voice communication. What purpose does Henry establish, and to what is he appealing in order to emphasize this purpose?
The purpose of the contend, of which this speech is a part, is to "make it at truth" and fulfill the "great responsibility which we hold to God and our state" (sentence vi). He is highly-seasoned to the ethical integrity of his audience by articulating their earthly and heavenly responsibilities.

three. Why does Henry use the term "gentlemen" twice in the showtime two sentences?
In lodge for others to take a different idea, they must outset believe they are being respected. Henry seeks to institute his respect for those who practise not agree with him by referring to them as gentlemen. In addition, Henry is hoping to imply that since he is as well a member of the Convention that they will give him and his ideas the aforementioned respect.

iv. Why does Henry begin the 2d sentence with "but"?
This is a rhetorical shift in perspective that helps to ready his audience. Even though he is a beau member of the Convention, he uses a rhetorical shift to explain that what he will say from that betoken on volition exist different than that heard before.

5. In sentence three what does Henry mean when he says, "this is no time for anniversary"? Why does he utilise the term "ceremony"?
He means this is no fourth dimension to simply say things because they might sound conciliatory, since ceremonies are often for visual display rather than bodily action. He is emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of this debate and establishing the importance of firsthand, serious word rather than a postponement of the consequence (call back that some members of the Convention wished to look until negotiations had run their course before beginning military preparedness).

six. What does Henry mean by "atrocious moment" in sentence 4? Why does he apply this phrase?
He means that the question under discussion is extremely important with potentially life-changing consequences. He is recognizing the treasonable nature of this give-and-take, displaying non merely his own courage simply request his fellow delegates to prove backbone as well.

7. In judgement v, when Henry states, "I consider it every bit nothing less than a question of liberty or slavery," he commits a logical fallacy. The simulated dichotomy (either-or) fallacy gives only two options with no choices in between, and Henry uses this intentionally. Why?
Past eliminating other options he is focusing his argument. He wants the listeners to sympathize that there are just two options; freedom, which he is advocating, or slavery, which he knows these proud, wealthy men, many of whom are slaveholders, volition non tolerate.

8. In sentence vii Henry argues on the footing of "ethos," which is Greek for "character." Such an argument is called an "ethical appeal." It attempts to win over listeners on the footing of the trustworthiness of the speaker. How, in this sentence, does Henry suggest that his listeners tin trust him?
Past highly-seasoned to religion every bit he calls upon the "majesty of heaven," Henry makes an ethical (ethos) appeal that his audience volition sympathize intellectually and emotionally. The Convention members consider themselves to be men of integrity and ethics, as Henry acknowledged in sentence ane. In sentence vii Henry is asking them to understand that he likewise is compelled to speak based on his own sense of integrity (if he holds back, he would consider himself "guilty of treason"). He reminds his audience that he, like them, is a believer and is trustworthy.

9. How does the ethical appeal in sentence 7 relate to the ethical appeal in sentence one?
In sentence 1 Henry acknowledges the patriotism of the members of the Business firm who have just spoken. In judgement 7 he enumerates his own ethics, stating that he must speak now or be guilty of both treason to his country and disloyalty to the "majesty of heaven." This reaffirms his trustworthiness with his audience.

MR. PRESIDENT: (1) No homo thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. (ii) But different men often see the same discipline in dissimilar lights; and, therefore, I hope it volition not be idea disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I practice, opinions of a character very contrary to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. (3) This is no time for ceremony. (4) The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. (5) For my own function, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to exist the freedom of the debate. (6) Information technology is merely in this fashion that nosotros can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the not bad responsibility which nosotros concur to God and our country. (7) Should I go along dorsum my opinions at such a time, through fearfulness of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an human action of disloyalty toward the majesty of sky, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Statue of Patrick Henry, Richmond, Virginia.

Paragraph 2: Exoridum, continued

Close Reading Questions

10. In this second paragraph of the exordium, Henry works to explain the importance and timeliness of his argument past setting up a dissimilarity between illusions and truth in sentences 8 and 12. According to Henry, which will his argument contain and which will it Not contain?
He states that it is "natural to homo to indulge in the illusions of hope" but in the concluding judgement of the paragraph he clearly says he will not do that — he will know the "whole truth." His argument will contain truth only will not contain illusions.

11. Henry uses the discussion "hope" several times in this speech communication. Give an case of an "illusion of promise" that Henry suggests in this 2nd paragraph.
I illusion would be the idea that the Colonies and Slap-up United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland could negotiate an acceptable peace without state of war.

12. Allusions, unexplained references to other sources, are commonly based upon the Bible or mythology. What innuendo does Henry employ in sentence 9 when he says "listen to the song of that siren till she transforms united states of america into beasts?" How does this allusion contribute to his argument?
He is alluding to the sirens found in the epic The Odyssey. Siren calls are alluring and hard to resist even if expected, simply they can exist mortiferous. Henry is saying that to listen to this call, this "illusion of hope", even though it is tempting, will evidence fatal and transform the Convention into something unable to reason and act (beasts).

13. Henry uses multiple biblical allusions with which his educated audience would be familiar. In sentence xi he says "Are we disposed of the number of those who, having eyes, run across not, and, having ears, hear non." This is from Ezekiel 12:2, when god describes how those who hear Ezekiel's words and do not listen volition be destroyed. How does this allusion contribute to Henry'southward argument?
Henry is implying that not seeing or listening to his argument will lead to destruction.

fourteen. Juxtaposition means to put 2 elements side by side, oftentimes for comparison. Henry does this in sentences 11 and 12. What is his purpose in first asking if they are "disposed to… see not, and… hear not" then stating, "…I am willing to know the whole truth: to know the worst, and to provide for it"?
He once more sets up a choice for his audience. Would they rather ignore the situation and have dangerous outcomes (this choice is defined by the previous allusions to the sirens and Ezekiel) or instead know the truth and prepare? He clearly indicates that he chooses the 2d option.

(8) Mr. President, information technology is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. (9) We are apt to shut our optics against a painful truth, and heed to the song of that siren till she transforms u.s. into beasts. (10) Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? (11) Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see non, and, having ears, hear non, the things which so nigh business organisation their temporal conservancy? (12) For my part, whatsoever anguish of spirit information technology may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

Henry delivered his 1775 speech at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Paragraph 3: Narratio and Confirmatio

Shut Reading Questions

The Narratio contextualizes the argument, including presenting any background data necessary, while the Confirmatio lays out in order the bear witness to support the thesis. Henry lists several negotiation attempts by colonists and British responses. He uses rhetorical strategies and appeals to further develop his argument, making certain that each item is contextualized from the Colonial perspective.

fifteen. Henry begins this paragraph with another Biblical allusion, "one lamp by which my feet are guided" (Psalms 119:105). Rather than the word of God, which is the lamp found in the Biblical verse, what is the lamp that Henry uses to guide his feet in sentence 13? Why does he make this connection?
The lamp is feel. Henry recounts by experiences and events that "guide his feet" and make fighting a necessity.

16. Henry continues to use "gentlemen" in this paragraph. Why?
He wants to maintain his respect for his audition and remind them that he is 1 of them. Equally his statement builds he wants to accept them along with him — reiterating the fact that they are esteemed colleagues.

17. What does "solace" mean? Why does Henry employ this term?
"Solace" means comfort in distress. Henry cautions his audience that the "hopes" of the past may take been used to comfort the Convention, simply such comfort is an illusion and will non last.

18. Henry uses parallelism (structuring phrases in similar manner) several times in this paragraph. Consider judgement 40, peculiarly the verbs. How does Henry use both parallelism and verb pick (wording) to explain that the Colonies have tried many steps to maintain peace?
"Nosotros have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we take prostrated; [we] accept implored…" He uses the parallel structure to indicate the procedure past which the Colonies take taken multiple steps to resolve differences. He chooses verbs that are increasingly dramatic to remind his audition that the Colonies accept tried everything without result. Consider "petition" (to bring written grievances) versus "remonstrate" (to forcefully protestation) versus "supplicate" (to beg earnestly or humbly) versus "prostrate" (to totally submit) versus "implore" (to beg desperately).

19. In the second paragraph Henry spoke of the "illusions of promise." In judgement 43 he says, "There is no longer whatsoever room for hope." Why did he use this term again?
He is linking this part of his argument to the exordium and explaining that whatsoever chance of hope no longer exists. He is moving his audience away from the position of illusive hope that they may have held at the beginning of his voice communication toward another position.

twenty. Henry again makes a Biblical allusion in sentence 18, "Suffer not yourselves to exist betrayed with a osculation." Christ was betrayed by his disciple Judas through the kiss of brotherhood, which led to Christ's arrest and crucifixion (Luke 22:47). Who does Henry believe represents Judas and how does this allusion equally a metaphor contribute to Henry's argument?
He believes the British stand for Judas and that while they will appear brotherly to the Colonies they will betray, leading to Colonial downfall.

21. Antithesis ways to put two ideas together in order to contrast them, pointing out their differences. In judgement 20, what does Henry contrast with "dear and reconciliation"? What is the result?
He contrasts them with "fleets and armies." The outcome is to highlight the fact that Great britain does not consider "love and reconciliation" a viable strategy, since they have responded with "fleets and armies," and these should exist "the last arguments to which kings resort." Henry emphasizes that Great United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland has already taken the affair past the diplomatic phase to the military level.

22. Hypophora is a special type of rhetorical question whereby a question is asked and then answered by the speaker (as opposed to a typical rhetorical question, which is either not answered or has a aye/no answer). A hypophora is useful to nowadays to an audience issues they may non accept considered in depth. Find at to the lowest degree one example of hypophora in this paragraph and explain its contribution to Henry's argument.

Some possibilities follow:

• "Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation?" "These are the implements of war; the final arguments to which kings resort." (sentences 20 and 23). Henry emphasizes the seriousness of the armed services response that Groovy United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland has already displayed.
• "Has Great Uk any enemy, in this quarter of the globe, to call for all this aggregating of navies and armies?" "No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can exist meant for no other." (sentences 26 and 27). Henry points out that the British military response cannot be interpreted as anything other than a direct claiming to the Colonies.
• "And what have we to oppose to them? Shall nosotros try argument?" "Sir, we take been trying that for the last ten years." (sentences xxx, 31, and 32). Henry reminds his audience that the Colonies take been trying to negotiate for 10 years without results.

23. Henry first mentions slavery in paragraph one when he contrasts it with freedom. Find an example of slave imagery in this paragraph. What is Henry's purpose in using this image in paragraph 3?
In sentence 29 Henry states, "They [the armies and fleets] are sent over to demark and rivet upon u.s. those chains which the British ministry building have been so long forging." He wishes to proceed the epitome of slavery to explain that the Colonies have used argument to combat the attempts of the British to enslave them, but these efforts have failed. Convention delegates included slaveholders who would recognize and recoil from this imagery.

24. Rhetorical parenthesis is the insertion into a sentence of an explanatory discussion or phrase. Consider sentence 42, "In vain, after these things, may nosotros indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation." Identify the parenthesis and Henry's purpose for including it.
The parenthesis is "subsequently these things," and Henry is referring to the Colonies' attempts at reconciliation. Past using the parenthesis he connects those failed attempts to the stop of the "hope of peace and reconciliation."

25. Metonomy and synecdoche are special types of metaphors. In a metonomy, something strongly associated with an chemical element is substituted for it (for case, "The White House" is substituted for "the President"). In a synecdoche, function of an element substitutes for the whole (for instance, "farm hands" means "subcontract laborers"). Find an example of metonomy and synecdoche in this paragraph and identify what each represents.
"The pes of the throne" (sentence 41) is metonomy, representing the King. "Tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament" (sentence 40) is synecdoche, representing the British regime.

26. Henry finishes this paragraph with an appeal to logic in the form of an "if… then" argument. What is the "if… and then" statement in this paragraph?
He states in sentence 44, "If we wish to exist gratuitous… [then] we must fight"!

27. Henry builds to a syllogistic argument, an appeal to logic, at the end of this paragraph. Place the three parts of his syllogism (Major premise [A], Minor premise [B], and Conclusion), citing testify from the text.

• Major premise [A]: Nosotros must either talk or fight to achieve results.
• Pocket-sized premise [B]: Talking does not achieve results.
• Conclusion: Therefore, we must fight to achieve results.

For more information almost syllogisms, see Understanding Syllogisms

28. In this paragraph Henry uses emotional appeals, language intended to create an emotional response from the audition. Choose three examples of emotional language from extract three. You may cull words, phrases, imagery, or other language elements. For each of your examples explain how they are intended to arouse Henry's audience.
Answers will vary.

(13) I have just ane lamp by which my anxiety are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. (14) I know of no manner of judging of the futurity but past the past. (fifteen) And judging past the past, I wish to know what at that place has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the final ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? (sixteen) Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? (17) Trust it not, sir; it will evidence a snare to your anxiety. (xviii) Suffer non yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. (19) Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. (xx) Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? (21) Accept we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that forcefulness must be called in to win back our beloved? (22) Permit united states not deceive ourselves, sir. (23) These are the implements of war and subjugation; the final arguments to which kings resort. (24) I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose exist not to force us to submission? (25) Tin can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for information technology? (26) Has United kingdom any enemy, in this quarter of the earth, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? (27) No, sir, she has none. (28) They are meant for united states of america; they can be meant for no other. (29) They are sent over to demark and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry building has been so long forging. (30) And what have we to oppose to them? (31) Shall nosotros try argument? (32) Sir, nosotros have been trying that for the last 10 years. (33) Have we annihilation new to offer upon the subject? (34) Cipher. (35) Nosotros have held the bailiwick upwardly in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. (36) Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? (37) What terms shall we detect which take non been already wearied? (38) Let united states of america non, I beseech yous, sir, deceive ourselves. (39) Sir, we have done everything that could be washed, to avert the storm which is at present coming on. (40) Nosotros take petitioned; nosotros have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. (41) Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances accept produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the pes of the throne. (42) In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. (43) There is no longer whatsoever room for promise. (44) If we wish to exist free, if nosotros mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending, if we mean not malevolently to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! (45) I echo information technology, sir, we must fight! (46) An appeal to artillery and to the God of Hosts is all that is left united states!

Patrick Henry'due south "Treason" speech before the Firm of Burgesses on May 30, 1765.

Paragraph 4: Refutatio

Close Reading Questions

29. The refutatio presents and refutes counter arguments. In paragraph 4 Henry uses procatalepsis, an argumentative strategy that anticipates an objection so answers it. What argument does he anticipate and what two rhetorical strategies does he use to refute it?
He anticipates the argument that the Colonies are too weak to fight. He answers it through tonal shifts and appeals.

30. Henry shifts tone in the outset of this paragraph to irony, the apply of linguistic communication that conveys the opposite of the intended meaning. How does he convey a ironic tone? Cite evidence from the text.
He uses ironic rhetorical questions — questions that convey the reverse of what he attempts to argue. Examples include "Volition it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every business firm" and the two questions that follow it (sentences 50, 51, and 52).

31. How does Henry shift from a ironic tone back to his urgent argument? Cite evidence from the text.
He inserts appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos. He appeals to ethos in sentence 53 past proverb "nosotros are non weak if we make a proper utilise of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power." In sentence 54 he appeals to Logos and pathos by citing "three millions of people (logos) armed in the holy cause of liberty (pathos), and in such a country every bit that which we possess (pathos, patriotism)."

32. In sentence 58, what does Henry mean past "we take no election"?
He means there is no pick but to fight.

33. Nearly of the British armed services activity to this point had occurred in and around Boston. How does Henry endeavour to connect the fate of Virginia to that of Boston, and why would he wish to make this connectedness?
He uses the possessive pronoun "our" when discussing the bondage, even though the clanking is heard is Boston. This addresses one of the objections fabricated past southern colonies to taking upward arms confronting the British — that the "trouble" was centered in Massachusetts, not Virginia.

34. Asyndeton is a serial of phrases or words with conjunctions deleted. Notice an example of asyndeton in this paragraph. What is its purpose?
An example is in sentence 57, "the vigilant, the active, the brave." Henry uses this to emphasize the positive qualities of those who will take up the boxing.

35. Observe an example of Henry'due south render to an epitome of slavery at the stop of this paragraph. What is the purpose of returning to this metaphor all the same again?
In sentences 61 and 62 he states, "Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!" He challenges his audition with the fact that they are already enslaved and implies that they must themselves remove the chains. His use of pronouns reinforces the idea that the chains heard in Boston are besides the chains of Virginians. (The mention of Boston about probably refers to the Intolerable Acts and their enforcement.)

(47) They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an antagonist. (48) But when shall we be stronger? (49) Volition it exist the next calendar week, or the adjacent year? (l) Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? (51) Shall we gather strength past irresolution and inaction? (52) Shall we larn the ways of effectual resistance, past lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall accept leap u.s. paw and pes? (53) Sir, nosotros are not weak if we make a proper employ of those ways which the God of nature hath placed in our power. (54) Three millions of people, armed in the holy crusade of liberty, and in such a country equally that which we possess, are invincible past any force which our enemy can ship against us. (55) Likewise, sir, we shall non fight our battles alone. (56) There is a simply God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who volition heighten up friends to fight our battles for usa. (57) The battle, sir, is not to the strong solitary; it is to the vigilant, the active, the dauntless. (58) Besides, sir, we have no election. (59) If we were base enough to desire information technology, it is at present too late to retire from the contest. (sixty) There is no retreat merely in submission and slavery! (61) Our chains are forged! (62) Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! (63) The war is inevitable and let it come! (64) I repeat it, sir, let it come.

Paragraph 5: Peroratio

Close Reading Questions

36. The Peroratio, or conclusion, has several purposes, including: to restate an statement, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses. Cite an example from the text of each of these four purposes.

• To restate: "Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace." (sentence 66)
• To amplify: "the war is really begun" (judgement 67)
• To rouse: "Why stand we here idle?" (sentence 70)
• To inspire: "Give me liberty or give me expiry" (sentence 75)

37. What paradigm does Henry use to convey that the battle has already begun?
He states in sentence 68, "the adjacent gale… will bring to our ears the disharmonism of resounding artillery."

38. In sentences 70 through 73, Henry uses a series of questions which directly claiming his fellow delegates. What is his purpose in asking these questions?
He wishes to inspire his colleagues to artillery, in gild to avoid the "chains and slavery."

39. In sentence 75, probably the virtually famous judgement from this speech, Henry uses antithesis to set up a clear contrast. What does he dissimilarity? What is the effect of this contrast?
He contrasts liberty and expiry, terminal that without liberty decease is preferable.

40. Sententia, especially useful in speeches, is an belligerent device that uses audio to sum upward an argument. What is the sententia in this speech communication?
"Give me freedom or requite me death!"

41. How does Henry'due south last statement, "Give me freedom or requite me expiry" represent the courage of both Henry and his audience?
Henry states that he is willing to suffer a traitor's death rather than be denied liberty. This was an either/or pick with nothing in between, and a traitor's decease was quite likely if the patriot efforts failed. This indicates the courage that Henry displays by making the voice communication and past implication he recognizes the courage that will be necessary for his young man delegates to take action.

(65) It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the affair. (66) Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. (67) The war is really begun! (68) The next gale that sweeps from the n will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! (69) Our brethren are already in the field! (seventy) Why stand we hither idle? (71) What is information technology that gentlemen wish? (72) What would they have? (73) Is life so honey, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the cost of chains and slavery? (74) Forbid it, Almighty God! (75) I know non what course others may take; merely as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Follow-Up Assignment

How might the format of the Henry spoken communication apply to current events, especially in countries and regions of political unrest? If there had been social media in 1775 would this speech have been interpreted differently? Investigate the role of social media in the Arab Spring (2012) or other current events equally directed by your instructor and then rewrite this speech for a social media platform. Share your results with your grade.

---

Vocabulary Popular-Ups

• entertaining: thinking
• moment: importance
• magnitude: greatness
• revere: highly respect
• indulge: yield to desire
• arduous: very difficult
• temporal: worldly
• anguish: keen distress
• solace: condolement
• insidious: deceitful
• snare: trap
• petition: formal request
• comports: agrees with
• implements: tools
• subjugation: enslavement
• martial array: warlike display

• rivet: fasten firmly
• entreaty: earnest request
• supplication: meek asking
• beseech: to appeal urgently
• avert: prevent
• remonstrated: forcefully protested
• prostrated: totally submitted
• implored: begged desperately
• interposition: influence
• tyrannical: unjustly barbarous
• slighted: ignored
• spurned: rejected
• in vain: without result
• inviolate: undisturbed
• costive: priceless
• contending: competing

• basely: dishonorably
• formidable: powerful
• antagonist: enemy
• irresolution: indecision
• effectual: constructive
• supinely: passively
• delusive: misleading
• phantom: ghost
• invincible: cannot be defeated
• vigilant: always alert
• ballot: option
• forged: made
• extenuate: stretch out
• gale: stiff air current
• resounding: echoing loudly
• brethren: brothers

---

Text:

• Patrick Henry, spoken language to the Virginia Convention, 1775. http://avalon.constabulary.yale.edu/18th_century/patrick.asp

Images:

• George Matthews, "Patrick Henry, one-half-length portrait." Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Partition Washington, D.C. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/det.4a26383/ [accessed Baronial 2015]
• "Patrick Henry on the George Washington equestrian statue at Capitol Square, Richmond, Virginia." http://www.richmond.com/image_d0936222-3d78-11e2-9cd8-001a4bcf6878.html [accessed September 2015]
• "Saint John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech." Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Partitioning Washington, D.C. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.34917/ [accessed August 2015]
• Peter F. Rothermel, "Patrick Henry's 'Treason' speech before the House of Burgesses," 1851. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Henry#/media/File:Patrick_Henry_Rothermel.jpg [accessed Baronial 2015]
• "'Requite me liberty, or give me decease!' Patrick Henry delivering his great speech on the rights of the colonies, before the Virginia Assembly, convened at Richmond, March 23rd 1775, last with the above sentiment, which became the war weep of the revolution." Lithograph. New York: Published by Currier & Ives, c1876. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b50326/ [accessed September 2015]

braccoeventrou95.blogspot.com

Source: https://americainclass.org/patrick-henry-give-me-liberty/

Share this post