Patrick Henry Speech Analysis

Patrick Henry was a writer during the revolutionary war, his speeches helped inspire many to fight and leave from under Britians rule. Like other famous speakers he used rhetoric devices to persuade his audience to join the fight. His tone also played a vital role in delivering his speech because it emphasizes certain sections of his speech. He use words and phrases that made the audience feel that fighting against Britain is the right thing to do. This speech was successful because he had valid points backed up with evidence. Pathos is the emotion used by the author or speaker; it can be shown using exclamation points, question marks, and the tone the used. Also some phrases that trigger emotions can be considered a form as pathos as well. Patrick Henry famous statement “Give me liberty, or give me death!” uses pathos because there is an emotional connection with this phrase. This statement shows he is very passionate about this subject which makes his speech more persuasive. And claiming he would die for liberty it shows he is devoted to fighting against the British. Ethos is the credibility of the author or speaker; this is important because if people don’t trust you they won’t trust what you say or write. Previous actions and a person’s reputation affect their credibility. Patrick Henry started his speech by proving he should be trusted by claiming “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism”. This shows he is very patriotic and supports others that share his perspective. He was known to strongly support his ideas and disliked how Britain ruled the colonies. Valid statements supported by evidence were also used to prove to the audience that speaker is on the correct side of the argument, this is logos. He states “Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne”. This statement shows