Patrick Henry Rhetorical Questions

Words: 588

Pages: 3

Open Document

In the “Speech to the Virginia Convention” (1775), Patrick Henry argues for future American freedom. Henry support his argument through rhetorical questions and inflammatory diction and syntax. His purpose is to change the delegates’ minds in order to encourage them to agree to the necessity of war. Based on his urgent tone, Henry is writing to the Virginia delegates who will ultimately decide the fate of the colonies.
Throughout the speech Patrick Henry repeatedly asks rhetorical questions to bring some light to the problems that are being presented. In the second paragraph he asks if the current colonies are going to be just like any other British territory, giving up their “temporal salvation” instead of fighting for their rights as people and right …show more content…
Patrick Henry then answers his own question, stating that action must be taken regardless of what it takes. By asking this question, Henry, is questioning why the colonies are giving up their rights. What good is having all these imposed restrictions doing them? Patrick Henry continues with the alienation of the colonists rights in the fourth paragraph. He questions what the purpose of a martial array is. It isn't to fend off an enemy; Britain has no enemies in that part of the world. Henry is concluding that the armies are for the colonists. The British have no other need for their army and navy to be stationed near the colonies other than to suppress them and keep them submissive. How will the colonists fight back? Toward the end of the speech, in paragraph seven; Patrick Henry points out that the best time to do something is now. They can not wait until later when their guns are taken away and there are british soldiers at

Rhetorical Devices In Patrick Henry Speech

Towards the end of the eighteenth century Patrick Henry, a lawyer and politician, felt oppressed due to the lack of representation that American colonists had in British government (“Patrick Henry Biography”). Parliament and King George III passed legislation that affected the lives of colonists without their input in any part of the decision-making process (“British Reforms and Colonial Resistance”). Throughout this tension, King George III only managed to further increase the strain on the relationship…

Words 668 - Pages 3

Patrick Henry's Speech In The Virginia Convention

Patrick Henry uses strong emotions and rhetorical devices to move his audience. In his speech “Speech in the Virginia Convention” delivered in 1775, he uses metaphors and rhetorical questions to create a sense of urgency to convince the members of the Virginia Convention to support war with Great Britain. Henry uses a comparison in order to make the issue more than a decision to fight or not. When he tells the members of the convention that this is an issue of “freedom or slavery”, he shifts that…

Words 363 - Pages 2

What Is The Purpose Of Patrick Henry's Speech

S: The speaker is Patrick Henry he is known for being the strongest orator of the American Revolution that contributes to his ethos. Patrick also was a political leader, serving as governor of Virginia General Assembly. O: The time Patrick Henry delivers his speech is in the year 1775 at the Virginia Convention. The current situation that gave rise to his speech was that Britain was subjuable to their lands, waters and sending military force, yet the political men attending the convention and…

Words 347 - Pages 2

Rhetorical Analysis Of Patrick Henry

One of the founding fathers of America is Patrick Henry who is known for his speeches. On March 23, 1775 in Virginia he gave a speech called “Speech in the Virginia Convention”. The speech was very patriotic. It was to change the minds of the soldiers and persuade them to go to war. Nowadays people can read the speech and be mad enough to go to war right then so that goes to show you it was a very fervid speech. Patrick Henry brings up ethos which is dealing with ethics and pathos dealing with…

Words 285 - Pages 2

What Are The Rhetorical Devices Used In Patrick Henry's Speech

In the “speech the Virginia convention” (1775), Patrick Henry convinced colonists to fight against Britain by using four rhetorical devices which were allusion, imagery, one –word sentences and rhetorical questions. These four devices helped Patrick Henry convinced many people that were still not willing to go to war. One device that he used was allusion which helped him connect with the listeners. “Listen to the song of the siren till she transforms us into beast.” ( line ). This connects with…

Words 316 - Pages 2

Patrick Henry I Have A Dream Speech Analysis

in I Have A Dream and Patrick Henry in Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death is freedom. Both spurred the on looking crowd in righteous applause. The significance of the speeches is exceedingly helped by their use of pathos, egos and logos. Significance of a speech is affected by the people listening to the speech and how the speaker is incorporating the listeners. The integration of pathos into the speech allows for an increased emotional response from the audience. Patrick Henry in Give Me Liberty or…

Words 1030 - Pages 5

Patrick Henry Speech In The Virginia Convention Rhetorical Devices

Patrick Henry, the author of “Speech In The Virginia Convention” supports the idea of freedom and equality for the Americans. He uses rhetorical devices to express the purpose of his speech and to make it more impacting on the audience to purposely gain their attention. Throughout the speech Henry developes a questioning-like tone to grab the crowd and make them question their own thoughts, along with his beliefs as well. Henry starts his speech off by showing respect for the audience. His purpose…

Words 446 - Pages 2

America's Most Influential Speech Analysis

The Common Purpose Between America's Most Influential Speeches The famous speeches written by Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine have influenced our country for centuries. Ever since they were made, we have been motivated time after time, especially during the Revolutionary War. If not for these influential speeches, we may not be where we are today. We may still be under the control of Great Britain. These two writers, similar, yet different, both write with a common purpose that most do not really…

Words 834 - Pages 4

Patrick Henry Speech

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death 1. Context 2. Synopsis “Give me liberty or give me death” is a well-known line from a speech given by Patrick Henry on March 23rd, 1775. (“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”). Patrick Henry was a man who had grown tired of waiting for the so-called liberty America had promised to bring. For the opening of his speech, Henry recognized the men who opposed him, and made it clear his opinions were not to be thought of as disrespectful. He spoke in a matter of urgency…

Words 774 - Pages 4

Thomas Paine Vs Patrick Henry Essay

Paine and Patrick Henry are the best persuasive writers in history. With their methods and arguments, and their combined purpose they almost started the war themselves. Most revolutionary writers had the same purpose in their writings. Patrick Henry puts it best, “Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming… we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!” (Patrick Henry). Their…

Words 580 - Pages 3