After the Kings Response to the Petition the Delegates Decided to Try Talkinf to Him Again

Advisor: Robert A. Ferguson, George Edward Woodberry Professor in Law, Literature and Criticism, Columbia University, National Humanities Centre Boyfriend
Copyright National Humanities Center, 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 aggression?

Understanding

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

Patrick Henry, 1736–1799

Text

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

Text Blazon

Spoken communication, non-fiction.

Text Complexity

Grade xi-CCR complexity band.

For more data on text complexity see these resources from achievethecore.org.

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

Click hither for standards and skills for this lesson.

X

Mutual Core State Standards

• ELA-LITERACY.RI.eleven-12.ane (cite testify to analyze specifically and past inference)
• ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4 (make up one's mind the meaning of words and phrases)
• ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6 (determine author's betoken of view)

Advanced Placement US History

• Central Concept 3.1 (IIB) (arguments about rights of British subjects, the rights of the private,…)

Teacher'due south Annotation

In this lesson students volition deconstruct Patrick Henry's famous speech to explore the tools of effective persuasion, including appeals, rhetorical strategies, and classical argument. This is a persuasive speech, one intended not merely to present an argument but as well to persuade the audience to act. While the spoken language can be used to investigate bug of freedom, power, and rights of the governed, this lesson focuses upon constructive rhetoric. The speech includes several Biblical allusions — revolutionary rhetoricians often used Biblical references because it immune them to speak more than strongly against Britain without using overtly treasonous speech.

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

The provenance of the speech yet, Henry'south 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 4 sections aligned to the arrangement of classical argument.

1. The first ii paragraphs class 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 third paragraph provides the statement of fact (Narratio) and argument (Confirmatio). The Narratio contextualizes the statement, presenting whatsoever 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 argument, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses.

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

This lesson is divided into ii parts, both attainable below. The instructor's guide includes a background annotation, the text analysis with responses to the shut reading questions, access to the interactive exercises, and a follow-up consignment. The student's version, an interactive PDF, contains all of the above except the responses to the shut reading questions and the follow-up consignment.

Teacher's Guide (continues below) Background note Text analysis and close reading questions with answer key Interactive exercises Follow-up assignment

Pupil Version (click to open) Interactive PDF Background notation Text assay and close reading questions Interactive exercises

Instructor'southward Guide

Background

Background Questions

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

In 1775 unrest bubbled through the American Colonies. Britain had severely restricted Massachusetts through the Intolerable Acts; towns were voting to boycott British appurtenances, and British soldiers were condign a common sight in the American Colonies. In this lesson you will explore a famous speech past Patrick Henry (1736–1799), member of the 2nd Virginia Convention. Patrick Henry is not speaking in the Virginia House of Burgesses [the land legislature] in Williamsburg because it had been dissolved the year before by Royal Governor Dunmore. Resenting this British interference with local authorities, the members of the House of Burgesses regrouped as a state convention. In guild to avoid whatsoever interference from British troops, the 2nd Convention of approximately 120 delegates met in Richmond, Virginia, from March xx through March 27.

The American Colonies were attempting to negotiate with British in 1775, and many of Henry's beau delegates wanted to await until these negotiations were completed earlier taking action. But Henry felt that delay would be a major mistake. On March 23, 1775, he asked the Virginia Convention to have a defensive stance immediately against Great United kingdom by raising an armed company in every Virginia county — an action considered by many to be open treason. His speech reflected language and actions far more radical that his fellow delegates were willing to go in public, but Henry based his request upon the assumption that even more aggressive military actions by the British would shortly follow. Twenty-seven days after this spoken communication was delivered the Battles of Lexington and Hold proved Henry correct.

In this lesson you will look at Patrick Henry'due south speech and analyze his methods for convincing his boyfriend members of the Virginia Convention to have a military stance against the British. These delegates were wealthy and powerful and they had much to lose; Henry'due south request was a large decision that many of them were reluctant to brand. Henry used not only rhetorical devices but likewise the strategies of classical argument, making a potentially confusing situation simple and straightforward equally he attempted to move all his fellow delegates toward the same issue. His recommendations were accepted by the Convention.

The speech divides into the four parts of a classical argument, defined below. Equally you analyze the individual parts of the speech, expect likewise for how these parts of the argument work together.

1. The first two paragraphs form the introduction (Exordium). The Exordium attempts to engage the audience, preparing them for the message to come, and to explain the purpose (thesis) of the speech.
2. The third paragraph provides the statement of fact (Narratio) and statement (Confirmatio). The Narratio contextualizes the statement, presenting any groundwork information necessary, while the Confirmatio lays out in society the evidence to support the thesis.
3. The fourth paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments (Refutatio).
4. The final paragraph forms the conclusion (Peroratio). The Peroratio may perform several purposes: to recapitulate an argument, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses.

Text Analysis

Paragraph 1: Exordium

Shut Reading Questions

Activity: Vocabulary
Learn definitions by exploring how words are used in context.

one. The first paragraph of classical argument, the exordium, seeks to engage the audience and prepare them to hear the speaker's message. Give an instance in this paragraph of an endeavour to engage the audience and an example of an endeavour to prepare the audience.
Henry seeks to appoint 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 (notation that Henry continues to accost the body every bit the Business firm). He prepares his audience by expresses the hope that they will show him the same respect when he states in sentence ii, "I hope information technology will not exist thought disrespectful…" Even though he volition exist speaking contrary to what has been previously presented, he reminds his audience that they are all colleagues by referring to the entire group, as in judgement 6, "we can promise to make it at the truth."

2. Another function of the exordium is to explicate the purpose of the speech. What purpose does Henry establish, and to what is he appealing in order to emphasize this purpose?
The purpose of the argue, of which this oral communication is a part, is to "arrive at truth" and fulfill the "neat responsibility which we hold to God and our country" (sentence half-dozen). He is appealing to the ethical integrity of his audition past articulating their earthly and heavenly responsibilities.

three. Why does Henry use the term "gentlemen" twice in the beginning two sentences?
In club for others to accept a different idea, they must first believe they are existence respected. Henry seeks to establish his respect for those who exercise not hold with him past referring to them every bit gentlemen. In addition, Henry is hoping to imply that since he is too a member of the Convention that they will give him and his ideas the same respect.

4. Why does Henry begin the second sentence with "but"?
This is a rhetorical shift in perspective that helps to ready his audience. Fifty-fifty though he is a boyfriend member of the Convention, he uses a rhetorical shift to explicate that what he will say from that indicate on will be different than that heard before.

5. In judgement 3 what does Henry mean when he says, "this is no fourth dimension for ceremony"? Why does he use the term "ceremony"?
He means this is no time to simply say things considering they might sound conciliatory, since ceremonies are often for visual display rather than actual action. He is emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of this fence and establishing the importance of firsthand, serious word rather than a postponement of the outcome (call back that some members of the Convention wished to look until negotiations had run their form before beginning war machine preparedness).

6. What does Henry mean by "atrocious moment" in sentence 4? Why does he utilize this phrase?
He means that the question nether give-and-take is extremely important with potentially life-changing consequences. He is recognizing the treasonable nature of this discussion, displaying not merely his own backbone but asking his young man delegates to prove courage every bit well.

seven. In sentence 5, when Henry states, "I consider information technology every bit nothing less than a question of liberty or slavery," he commits a logical fallacy. The imitation dichotomy (either-or) fallacy gives only two options with no choices in between, and Henry uses this intentionally. Why?
By eliminating other options he is focusing his statement. He wants the listeners to empathize that at that place are only two options; liberty, which he is advocating, or slavery, which he knows these proud, wealthy men, many of whom are slaveholders, will not tolerate.

8. In sentence 7 Henry argues on the basis of "ethos," which is Greek for "character." Such an argument is called an "upstanding appeal." It attempts to win over listeners on the footing of the trustworthiness of the speaker. How, in this sentence, does Henry advise that his listeners can trust him?
By appealing to organized religion equally he calls upon the "majesty of heaven," Henry makes an ethical (ethos) appeal that his audience will understand intellectually and emotionally. The Convention members consider themselves to be men of integrity and ethics, every bit Henry acknowledged in sentence one. In sentence vii Henry is request them to empathise 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 audition that he, like them, is a believer and is trustworthy.

9. How does the ethical appeal in sentence vii chronicle to the ethical appeal in sentence i?
In sentence 1 Henry acknowledges the patriotism of the members of the House who have just spoken. In sentence 7 he enumerates his ain ethics, stating that he must speak now or exist guilty of both treason to his country and disloyalty to the "majesty of heaven." This reaffirms his trustworthiness with his audience.

MR. PRESIDENT: (ane) No human being thinks more than highly than I do of the patriotism, besides as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who take just addressed the House. (two) But dissimilar men often run into the aforementioned bailiwick in different lights; and, therefore, I hope information technology will not exist thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a grapheme very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. (3) This is no time for anniversary. (4) The question earlier the Business firm is one of atrocious moment to this land. (5) For my ain part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the liberty of the debate. (6) Information technology is simply in this way that we tin promise to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. (7) Should I keep back 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 deed of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, 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 explicate the importance and timeliness of his argument by setting up a contrast betwixt illusions and truth in sentences eight and 12. According to Henry, which volition his argument contain and which will information technology Not incorporate?
He states that information technology is "natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope" but in the terminal sentence of the paragraph he conspicuously says he will not exercise that — he will know the "whole truth." His argument volition contain truth but will not contain illusions.

11. Henry uses the discussion "hope" several times in this voice communication. Give an instance of an "illusion of hope" that Henry suggests in this second paragraph.
One illusion would be the idea that the Colonies and Great Britain could negotiate an acceptable peace without state of war.

12. Allusions, unexplained references to other sources, are usually based upon the Bible or mythology. What allusion does Henry use in sentence 9 when he says "mind to the song of that siren till she transforms u.s. into beasts?" How does this innuendo contribute to his argument?
He is alluding to the sirens constitute in the ballsy The Odyssey. Siren calls are attracting and hard to resist even if expected, but they tin can be deadly. Henry is proverb that to heed to this telephone 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).

xiii. Henry uses multiple biblical allusions with which his educated audience would be familiar. In sentence 11 he says "Are we disposed of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not." This is from Ezekiel 12:2, when god describes how those who hear Ezekiel'due south words and do not listen will be destroyed. How does this allusion contribute to Henry'due south argument?
Henry is implying that not seeing or listening to his argument will lead to destruction.

xiv. Juxtaposition ways to put ii elements next, frequently for comparing. Henry does this in sentences 11 and 12. What is his purpose in outset asking if they are "disposed to… come across not, and… hear not" and then stating, "…I am willing to know the whole truth: to know the worst, and to provide for it"?
He again sets up a choice for his audience. Would they rather ignore the situation and accept unsafe outcomes (this option is defined by the previous allusions to the sirens and Ezekiel) or instead know the truth and set? He conspicuously indicates that he chooses the second option.

(eight) Mr. President, it is natural to human to indulge in the illusions of promise. (9) We are apt to close our eyes against a painful truth, and mind to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. (10) Is this the function of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? (11) Are we tending to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear non, the things which so nearly business organization 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 information technology.

Henry delivered his 1775 spoken communication at St. John'due south Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Paragraph 3: Narratio and Confirmatio

Close Reading Questions

The Narratio contextualizes the argument, including presenting whatever background information necessary, while the Confirmatio lays out in order the evidence 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 sure that each item is contextualized from the Colonial perspective.

15. Henry begins this paragraph with another Biblical allusion, "one lamp past which my anxiety 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 experience. Henry recounts past experiences and events that "guide his feet" and make fighting a necessity.

16. Henry continues to utilize "gentlemen" in this paragraph. Why?
He wants to maintain his respect for his audience and remind them that he is one of them. Equally his argument 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 use this term?
"Solace" ways comfort in distress. Henry cautions his audience that the "hopes" of the past may have been used to comfort the Convention, but such comfort is an illusion and will not final.

18. Henry uses parallelism (structuring phrases in like fashion) several times in this paragraph. Consider judgement 40, specially the verbs. How does Henry use both parallelism and verb choice (wording) to explicate that the Colonies have tried many steps to maintain peace?
"We have petitioned; nosotros have remonstrated; we have supplicated; nosotros have prostrated; [we] have implored…" He uses the parallel construction to indicate the procedure by which the Colonies have taken multiple steps to resolve differences. He chooses verbs that are increasingly dramatic to remind his audience that the Colonies accept tried everything without effect. 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).

xix. In the second paragraph Henry spoke of the "illusions of hope." In sentence 43 he says, "At that place is no longer any room for hope." Why did he employ this term again?
He is linking this role of his argument to the exordium and explaining that whatsoever adventure 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 spoken language toward another position.

20. Henry again makes a Biblical innuendo in judgement eighteen, "Endure not yourselves to exist betrayed with a osculation." Christ was betrayed by his disciple Judas through the buss of brotherhood, which led to Christ'south arrest and crucifixion (Luke 22:47). Who does Henry believe represents Judas and how does this allusion as a metaphor contribute to Henry's argument?
He believes the British represent Judas and that while they will appear brotherly to the Colonies they will betray, leading to Colonial downfall.

21. Antithesis means to put two ideas together in order to contrast them, pointing out their differences. In judgement 20, what does Henry contrast with "love and reconciliation"? What is the effect?
He contrasts them with "fleets and armies." The outcome is to highlight the fact that Groovy Uk does not consider "beloved and reconciliation" a feasible strategy, since they have responded with "fleets and armies," and these should be "the last arguments to which kings resort." Henry emphasizes that Smashing 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 blazon of rhetorical question whereby a question is asked and so answered past the speaker (as opposed to a typical rhetorical question, which is either non answered or has a yes/no answer). A hypophora is useful to present to an audition issues they may not accept considered in depth. Discover at least ane instance of hypophora in this paragraph and explain its contribution to Henry'south argument.

Some possibilities follow:

• "Are fleets and armies necessary to a piece of work of love and reconciliation?" "These are the implements of state of war; the last arguments to which kings resort." (sentences xx and 23). Henry emphasizes the seriousness of the military machine response that Great Britain has already displayed.
• "Has Bang-up Uk whatever enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies?" "No, sir, she has none. They are meant for the states; they tin can be meant for no other." (sentences 26 and 27). Henry points out that the British armed services response cannot be interpreted as anything other than a direct challenge to the Colonies.
• "And what have nosotros to oppose to them? Shall we endeavor argument?" "Sir, nosotros have been trying that for the last ten years." (sentences 30, 31, and 32). Henry reminds his audience that the Colonies accept been trying to negotiate for ten years without results.

23. Henry start mentions slavery in paragraph i when he contrasts it with freedom. Observe an example of slave imagery in this paragraph. What is Henry'due south purpose in using this image in paragraph iii?
In sentence 29 Henry states, "They [the armies and fleets] are sent over to bind and rivet upon u.s.a. those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging." He wishes to continue the image of slavery to explain that the Colonies accept used argument to combat the attempts of the British to enslave them, but these efforts accept 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 we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation." Place the parenthesis and Henry'southward purpose for including it.
The parenthesis is "after these things," and Henry is referring to the Colonies' attempts at reconciliation. By using the parenthesis he connects those failed attempts to the end of the "hope of peace and reconciliation."

25. Metonomy and synecdoche are special types of metaphors. In a metonomy, something strongly associated with an element is substituted for information technology (for instance, "The White House" is substituted for "the President"). In a synecdoche, part of an element substitutes for the whole (for instance, "subcontract easily" means "subcontract laborers"). Find an example of metonomy and synecdoche in this paragraph and identify what each represents.
"The pes of the throne" (judgement 41) is metonomy, representing the Rex. "Tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament" (judgement forty) is synecdoche, representing the British government.

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

27. Henry builds to a syllogistic argument, an appeal to logic, at the end of this paragraph. Place the 3 parts of his syllogism (Major premise [A], Minor premise [B], and Conclusion), citing evidence from the text.

• Major premise [A]: We must either talk or fight to accomplish results.
• Minor premise [B]: Talking does non attain results.
• Decision: Therefore, we must fight to achieve results.

For more information nigh syllogisms, meet Understanding Syllogisms

28. In this paragraph Henry uses emotional appeals, language intended to create an emotional response from the audience. Choose three examples of emotional language from excerpt 3. You may choose words, phrases, imagery, or other linguistic communication elements. For each of your examples explain how they are intended to arouse Henry'due south audience.
Answers will vary.

(13) I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. (xiv) I know of no way of judging of the future but by the by. (15) And judging by the by, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry building for the last 10 years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen accept been pleased to solace themselves, and the Business firm? (16) Is information technology that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? (17) Trust information technology not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. (xviii) Endure non yourselves to exist betrayed with a kiss. (xix) Inquire yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which encompass our waters and darken our land. (20) Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? (21) Accept nosotros shown ourselves so unwilling to exist reconciled, that force must be called in to win dorsum our beloved? (22) Permit the states non deceive ourselves, sir. (23) These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. (24) I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial assortment, if its purpose be not to forcefulness us to submission? (25) Can gentlemen assign whatsoever other possible motive for it? (26) Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? (27) No, sir, she has none. (28) They are meant for us; 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 and then long forging. (30) And what have we to oppose to them? (31) Shall we attempt argument? (32) Sir, we accept been trying that for the last ten years. (33) Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? (34) Zero. (35) Nosotros have held the subject upwards in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. (36) Shall nosotros resort to entreaty and humble supplication? (37) What terms shall we detect which accept non been already exhausted? (38) Allow united states not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. (39) Sir, nosotros accept done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. (40) We accept petitioned; we accept remonstrated; nosotros have supplicated; we take prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry building and Parliament. (41) Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been overlooked; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. (42) In vain, after these things, may nosotros indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. (43) At that place is no longer any room for hope. (44) If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been then long contending, if we hateful not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we accept been so long engaged, and which nosotros have pledged ourselves never to carelessness until the glorious object of our competition shall exist obtained, nosotros must fight! (45) I repeat it, sir, nosotros must fight! (46) An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left the states!

Patrick Henry's "Treason" speech earlier the Business firm of Burgesses on May thirty, 1765.

Paragraph iv: 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 and then answers it. What argument does he conceptualize and what two rhetorical strategies does he use to refute it?
He anticipates the statement that the Colonies are too weak to fight. He answers information technology through tonal shifts and appeals.

30. Henry shifts tone in the outset of this paragraph to irony, the use of language that conveys the opposite of the intended meaning. How does he convey a ironic tone? Cite prove from the text.
He uses ironic rhetorical questions — questions that convey the reverse of what he attempts to argue. Examples include "Will it be when nosotros are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house" and the two questions that follow it (sentences fifty, 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 desolation. He appeals to ethos in sentence 53 by saying "nosotros are non weak if we make a proper utilize of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power." In sentence 54 he appeals to Logos and desolation past citing "3 millions of people (logos) armed in the holy cause of freedom (pathos), and in such a land as that which we possess (pathos, patriotism)."

32. In sentence 58, what does Henry mean by "we have no election"?
He ways at that place is no option just to fight.

33. Most of the British military activity to this point had occurred in and around Boston. How does Henry try to connect the fate of Virginia to that of Boston, and why would he wish to brand this connexion?
He uses the possessive pronoun "our" when discussing the chains, even though the clanking is heard is Boston. This addresses one of the objections fabricated past southern colonies to taking upwardly arms against the British — that the "problem" was centered in Massachusetts, not Virginia.

34. Asyndeton is a serial of phrases or words with conjunctions deleted. Find an case of asyndeton in this paragraph. What is its purpose?
An instance 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 battle.

35. Observe an case of Henry's render to an epitome of slavery at the end of this paragraph. What is the purpose of returning to this metaphor yet 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 audience with the fact that they are already enslaved and implies that they must themselves remove the chains. His utilise of pronouns reinforces the idea that the chains heard in Boston are as well the chains of Virginians. (The mention of Boston most probably refers to the Intolerable Acts and their enforcement.)

(47) They tell u.s.a., sir, that nosotros are weak; unable to cope with and then formidable an adversary. (48) Only when shall we be stronger? (49) Volition it be the side by side week, or the next yr? (l) Volition information technology exist when we are totally disarmed, and when a British baby-sit shall be stationed in every firm? (51) Shall we gather forcefulness by irresolution and inaction? (52) Shall nosotros acquire the ways of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound u.s. manus and human foot? (53) Sir, we are non weak if we brand a proper apply of those ways which the God of nature hath placed in our power. (54) Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of freedom, and in such a country every bit that which we possess, are invincible past any force which our enemy can send confronting united states. (55) Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. (56) There is a merely God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will heighten up friends to fight our battles for us. (57) The boxing, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the agile, the brave. (58) As well, sir, we have no election. (59) If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too belatedly to retire from the contest. (60) There is no retreat but 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 information technology, sir, let it come.

Paragraph 5: Peroratio

Shut Reading Questions

36. The Peroratio, or determination, has several purposes, including: to recapitulate an argument, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses. Cite an instance from the text of each of these 4 purposes.

• To restate: "Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace just there is no peace." (judgement 66)
• To amplify: "the war is actually begun" (sentence 67)
• To rouse: "Why stand up nosotros hither idle?" (sentence 70)
• To inspire: "Requite me liberty or give me death" (judgement 75)

37. What prototype does Henry use to convey that the boxing has already begun?
He states in judgement 68, "the next gale… will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms."

38. In sentences 70 through 73, Henry uses a series of questions which directly challenge his young man delegates. What is his purpose in asking these questions?
He wishes to inspire his colleagues to arms, in order to avert the "chains and slavery."

39. In sentence 75, probably the most famous sentence from this oral communication, Henry uses antithesis to prepare a articulate dissimilarity. What does he dissimilarity? What is the result of this contrast?
He contrasts freedom and death, concluding that without liberty death is preferable.

forty. Sententia, especially useful in speeches, is an argumentative device that uses audio to sum up an statement. What is the sententia in this speech?
"Give me freedom or give me expiry!"

41. How does Henry's concluding statement, "Give me liberty or give me death" correspond the backbone of both Henry and his audition?
Henry states that he is willing to endure a traitor'due south expiry rather than be denied liberty. This was an either/or choice with null in between, and a traitor's death was quite likely if the patriot efforts failed. This indicates the courage that Henry displays by making the speech and by implication he recognizes the courage that volition be necessary for his young man delegates to accept activeness.

(65) It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. (66) Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace just in that location is no peace. (67) The war is really begun! (68) The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! (69) Our brethren are already in the field! (70) Why stand we here idle? (71) What is information technology that gentlemen wish? (72) What would they take? (73) Is life and so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? (74) Preclude information technology, Almighty God! (75) I know not what class others may take; but equally for me, give me freedom or give me expiry!

Follow-Upwardly Assignment

How might the format of the Henry speech utilise to current events, peculiarly in countries and regions of political unrest? If at that place had been social media in 1775 would this speech accept been interpreted differently? Investigate the function of social media in the Arab Spring (2012) or other current events every bit directed past your teacher and then rewrite this speech for a social media platform. Share your results with your course.

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Vocabulary Pop-Ups

• entertaining: thinking
• moment: importance
• magnitude: greatness
• revere: highly respect
• indulge: yield to desire
• arduous: very difficult
• temporal: worldly
• anguish: neat distress
• solace: comfort
• 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 request
• beseech: to appeal urgently
• avert: forbid
• remonstrated: forcefully protested
• prostrated: totally submitted
• implored: begged desperately
• interposition: influence
• tyrannical: unjustly cruel
• slighted: ignored
• spurned: rejected
• in vain: without effect
• inviolate: undisturbed
• inestimable: priceless
• contending: competing

• basely: dishonorably
• formidable: powerful
• adversary: enemy
• irresolution: indecision
• effectual: effective
• supinely: passively
• delusive: misleading
• phantom: ghost
• invincible: cannot exist defeated
• vigilant: always alert
• election: choice
• forged: made
• extenuate: stretch out
• gale: stiff current of air
• resounding: echoing loudly
• brethren: brothers

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Text:

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

Images:

• George Matthews, "Patrick Henry, half-length portrait." Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division 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 spoken language." Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Partitioning Washington, D.C. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.34917/ [accessed Baronial 2015]
• Peter F. Rothermel, "Patrick Henry'south 'Treason' voice communication before the Business firm of Burgesses," 1851. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Henry#/media/File:Patrick_Henry_Rothermel.jpg [accessed August 2015]
• "'Requite me liberty, or give me death!' Patrick Henry delivering his great speech on the rights of the colonies, earlier the Virginia Assembly, convened at Richmond, March 23rd 1775, concluding with the above sentiment, which became the state of war cry of the revolution." Lithograph. New York: Published by Currier & Ives, c1876. http://world wide web.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b50326/ [accessed September 2015]

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

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