On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry, writer of the famous speech, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” captured a thousand listeners with his persuasive words during the boycott of British goods. During this time, the American Revolution was taking place and for Patrick Henry to make such a worthy speech without any preparations deserves a massive round of applause. The area St. John’s Church Richmond, Virginia was a chosen place that a hundred delegates would have a political meeting to the Virginia Convention but during this time Patrick Henry made an unprepared speech. In his speech, he represents the people’s needs and problems about the bloodlust of war and how an army should be created on the behalf of the people. He makes valid statements …show more content…
In his speech, he claims the British military have no interest in peace but play it out as if they want it. Henry begins to experience the same feelings the people have and makes himself no different from the colonists because he relates to the people using words such as “we,” “our,” “us”. Henry has created himself to be lesser than his high position as a delegate which swayed the people to him even more because the people value their liberty as American patriots. In his speech, he begins to relate to the colonists because of how the British have made them feel used and inferior. His words stirred up emotion and convinced many of the people to listen more because he was on their side rather than the British higher officials. Many of the people themselves did not want to go to battle because of the enjoyment of bloodshed, but rather for the protection and freedom much needed. Even the soldiers that were spoken to felt the need to give up since the war was only a disillusion for the supposed peace by the British …show more content…
He makes a comparsion with a lamp and experience to show that were ever he goes knowledge will always follow. He also asks many rhetorica questions to the colonists to make them question whether or not they should be held down, “ But when shall we be stronger? Shall it be the next week, or the next year?” Henry uses imagery to create a visual in the audiences might what could be the future of the American people. Since he uses imagery he compares non realistic things to things that are real. Henry’s use of devices in his speech put the pieces together for the colonists to understand. Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech molded itself with the multiple use of persuasive appeals to prove his point. His point overall was to get the people to understand that they should fight for their thirteen colonies independence. And by using a variety of speaking tools, Henry has created one of the most motivating speeches in America’s
...ican. Henry made great effort to constantly put God first in not only his life, but in the messages that he shared with people. Amongst this, he loved his nation, especially the people of Virginia. The opinions he had regarding the Revolutionary war, were vividly explained in this speech. Mr. Henry was passionate about peace, and the love that God had for the world. He had a very strong faith, and never hesitated to express what he had learned in his Bible studies. Specifically in this message, Henry used several different Biblical themes as a way to draw in his audience. In using his knowledge of the Bible he was able to precisely get the point a crossed that he was trying to make clear. Henry believed in the freedom of the people just as God had intended it to be. If this would mean to fight for that right, then he was ready to put forth everything that he had.
Patrick Henry uses rhetorical questions to make his audience contemplate about the answers to those questions. When an audience member replies with an answer, this will further the support for Henry’s argument. The supporting evidence from this answer will help develop his claim even more, therefore making his argument additionally valid. Patrick Henry also uses rhetorical questions to cause compelling reactions in his audience that will hopefully bring them to his side of the
Both Paine and Henry tried to push for support against Great Britain and motivate the colonists to side with the revolutionaries. Both felt obligated to stand up for their unalienable rights and the good of the nation, and this is most evident when Henry declared that he had to speak up, or "[he] should consider [him]self as guilty of treason towards [his] country, and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven [...]" (Henry 232). Henry conveniently made a reference to God, which strengthened his argument, because people were decidedly religious. Both agree that compromise with Great Britain was not a solution, logically noting that it had been ineffective in the past. Unlike Henry, however, Paine uses his own experiences to strengthen his argument, especially when he describes his participation in the army under the command of General George Washington.
Patrick Henry was known as “the Orator of Liberty” and created his name with his speeches. When colonists were divided in 1775, some were hoping to work it out but not Patrick Henry. He thought the only choice was to go to war with Great Britain. Henry uses ethos, pathos, and logos to show his clause for going to war with Britain.
He addressed the cruel taxes and policies that have been placed upon the American people. He also, speaks of the tiring efforts of the colonies to overcome the impossible British policies. Henry begins his statement with the numerous actions taken by people in response to the British approach to limit their freedom. Writing in the statement, Henry complains that many actions have been taken in an effort to achieve freedom but have failed. Henry himself writes, “In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation?”. In making this comment Henry urges the British to be prepared for them. After overcoming the stamp act , Henry urges the British to be ready for revolution if freedom is not given. This exactly, Henry points out, if basic privileges are not given to men and women, there will be a war. Henry himself writes. “give me liberty, or give me death!”. Basically, Henry is warning that if freedom is not given, he is willing to fight until it is. Patrick Henry’s statement is crucial to the American cause in the War for Independence. He led the fight against the stamp act, after being elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765. Also, he proposed his argument for going to war was in an effort to live as free men and fight. His speech inspired men to join the cause and fight for
The eighteenth century, a time of turmoil and chaos in the colonies, brought many opinionated writers to the forefront in support or refutation of the coming American Revolution. This highly controversial war that would ultimately separate the future United States of America from Great Britain became the center of debate. Two writers, both of whom supported the Revolution, now stand to fully illuminate one side of the debate. Thomas Paine, a radical propagandist, wrote many pieces during this time including “The Crisis Number 1” (1776). Through writing, he appealed to the “common man” in order to convince them to gather their arms and fight for their freedom. In this document, he utilizes many of the same rhetorical skills and propaganda techniques as Patrick Henry, a convincing orator, did in his famous speech delivered to the state’s delegates in 1775. Among these techniques are transfer, abstract language, and pathos. In both works, these were used to call the audiences to war. These influential pieces both contained a call to action which, through the use of strong and decisive language, aided the beginning of the American Revolution.
Without the ability to connect with the audience, Henry’s oration would have lacked the substantial influence it had. Throughout the speech, he establishes an emotional connection with the audience. One way he did this was when he framed his speech as a polite rebuttal of his peers. Even when Henry speaks vehemently on the subject, he ensures that the audience recognizes he respects their opinions equally. This is seen in the beginning of the piece when he says “...different men often see the
Patrick Henry attempts to persuade the House of Burgesses to revolt and declare war against Britain by logically convincing them that it is their natural right to be free and calling on their patriotism and pride as leaders of colonial America. Throughout his speech, Henry justifies his argument for going to war, by logically explaining himself to the leaders of the American colonies. Obviously “men often see the same subject in different light.” Therefore, Patrick Henry uses this in a step-by-step explanation of why he believes that the colonies should join together in revolt. He states, because men have different views, he wishes to express his own, without “be[ing] disrespectful,” to anyone in the House.
Patrick Henry was a Virginian patriot who was well known for his skill in persuasive oratory. One of his most famous speeches was titled "Liberty or Death" after it was delivered to president Peyton Randolph at the Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775. This speech was very much persuasive in its nature and delivery. The speech lacks much, if any, actual facts to back up Henry's opinions which suggested that it was formulated on his feet without much reseach or preparation. The body of the speech is expressing Henry's views on the American Revolution and his desire to separate from Great Britain. It is important to note that vocalizing such views while the colonies were still considered to be subjects of the British crown was considered to
Patrick Henry, also known as "the Orator of Liberty" , wrote speeches supporting the American democracy. During the British rule in the American colonies, Henry was one of the first opponents. Great Britain and the American colonies were divided in 1775. Henry felt the only choice was hoping to work out the disagreements. In his speech "Speech in the Virginia Convention" , Henry was hoping to persuade his fellow Virginian Patriots to go to war. Although some did not want to go to war, Henry used ethos, pathos, and logos throughout his speech to convince the Virginia Convention to go to war with Britain.
“Give me liberty, or give me death.” Patrick Henry is forever noted in history for this famous line during the American Revolution. His contributions to liberty did not stop with the British, however. Patrick Henry was the leader of the Anti-Federalists in the early years of our country. The Anti-Federalists did not want a federal government system, where there is a strong central government, then smaller, state governments. Patrick Henry had his own ideas for a decentralized national government, which he added on to the Constitution during the ratification convention in Virginia.
...rogram today. Henry believed that the people should not solely and whole heartedly be dependent on a higher authority because they may exploit the people and their rights. He believed that the American people cannot give their means of “enslavement” to the “enemy” (rights to government for uncertain protection) but must be independent and that is the only way to go, even if the future seems bleak and the situation at hand is daunting.
Patrick Henry was born in Hanover County, Virginia on May 29, 1736. He delivered the famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. Patrick protested against British Tyranny and was a symbol of the American struggle for liberty. He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress. In Patrick Henry’s speech at the Virginia Convention called, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”, he used a lot of example of ethos, pathos, and logos, along with rhetoric terms. This made his speech stronger in his opinion on how he saw things the way they were and made him consider if he “Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense,” (Henry, Para. 1) but realized that it was important to share what he believed was right or “I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings” (Para. 1).
In conclusion, Patrick Henry's “Speech to the Second Virginia Convention uses imagery, diction, and details to build the impatient tone of the speech giving his view on what should be done in terms of breaking away from Great Britain. Henry's use of tone helps to further the reader's understanding of the predicament the United Stated was in before the start of the revolutionary war. Tone is also used to sway the reader to the conclusion that war is the only logical course of action
In conclusion when addressing an audience it is important to draw upon the audiences interests and to establish credibility in the subject being presented. In Henry’s case his speech which was more serious which had been war, had to be handled with care and acknowledgement of the audiences feelings. To take something away from this speech would be to have a dream and present it to people in the same way you believe in it, this worked a lot better rather than speaking about a plan and presenting it people. For if you tell people a plan they are not invested in you, where as they would possibly be more invested if you told them your dream and knowledge as you develop your credibility with them.