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Patrick Henry Rhetorical

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Patrick Henry Rhetorical
Patrick Henry’s Famous 1775 Speech “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!”

Patrick Henry respectably introduced his views on what action to take in regards of the conflict going on with Britain. Therefore, this would include preparing for war if they do not meet the colonists demands. He builds upon many rhetorical devices such as ethos by expressing his religious Christian passion. Patrick Henry’s influential style contributed to ending the British crowns exploitation of the thirteen colonies. Henry's subject moreover was to raise a militia, and to put Virginia in a posture of defense. In addition, other rhetorical devices that Patrick demonstrates within his speech include the strategy of appealing to logos and pathos when stating if Virginia did not join the revolution they would have failed. As well as Patrick Henry uses allusion, metaphors, and imagery to provide his audience with the horrid images. He applies to rhetorical questions to appeal to authority and emphasize to stop being law abiding citizens. Patrick Henry begins his eminent speech with an apology and a very respectable tone towards the president. He convinces his audience by speaking his feelings. He applies to ethos to connect with his own ethical and moral beliefs. For instance, in paragraph 2 of his speech he declares “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.” This quote appeals to rhetorical ethos. He speaks of the majesty of heaven as the quality of God. He cannot hold back his heart in such that he must be honest. It also shows how God seems more important than the “earthly kings” as stated. He finds relevance in ethos throughout his speech to give voice and meaning and make connections to his audience. Furthermore, he speaks of church and the name of God, the supreme creator of the universe. Mr. Henry does not preach however, but he shows a biblical allusion as

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