Rhetorical analysis
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”
There have been countless speeches made throughout the course of time; some that have managed to change laws and mindsets, and others who have simply expressed a logical opinion or proposed a vengeful disputation. However, amongst these varying disquisitions, only a few have managed to remain memorable. By using various literary devices, one particular man was able to remain in the memories of many, and deliver one of the most famous patriotic speeches in our country’s history. In his eloquent speech to the Virginia Convention of 1775, Patrick Henry persuasively argues that the American people have simply no choice than to engage in war against Britain by reminding them that it is inevitable, and by making it apparent that we can either choose to live a life in pure liberty or perpetual captivity.
By knowing he faces extreme opposition of wanting to fight, Patrick Henry makes it evident that the war against Britain is completely inevitable. Because the people had such a narrow mindset, Henry knew it highly important to first gain respect from the people, if he wanted even the slightest chance of them listening to him. “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as the abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House.” This beginning sentence establishes his credability rather quickly, and makes him a more worthy contender to listen to. Henry begins the second paragraph of his speech discussing the illusions of hope. He is trying to act as a teacher of truth, but also a bearer of bad news. He recognizes that man dreams of freedom without fighting, but then refutes this idea. The word, “illusion” proves that it cannot be a reality. Patrick Henry also quotes, “…and listen to the song of the sirens that transforms us into beasts,” making an allusion a highly popular book of the time, The Odyssey. By making the reference, it reminds the people that he really is just another
There have been countless speeches made throughout the course of time; some that have managed to change laws and mindsets, and others who have simply expressed a logical opinion or proposed a vengeful disputation. However, amongst these varying disquisitions, only a few have managed to remain memorable. By using various literary devices, one particular man was able to remain in the memories of many, and deliver one of the most famous patriotic speeches in our country’s history. In his eloquent speech to the Virginia Convention of 1775, Patrick Henry persuasively argues that the American people have simply no choice than to engage in war against Britain by reminding them that it is inevitable, and by making it apparent that we can either choose to live a life in pure liberty or perpetual captivity.
By knowing he faces extreme opposition of wanting to fight, Patrick Henry makes it evident that the war against Britain is completely inevitable. Because the people had such a narrow mindset, Henry knew it highly important to first gain respect from the people, if he wanted even the slightest chance of them listening to him. “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as the abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House.” This beginning sentence establishes his credability rather quickly, and makes him a more worthy contender to listen to. Henry begins the second paragraph of his speech discussing the illusions of hope. He is trying to act as a teacher of truth, but also a bearer of bad news. He recognizes that man dreams of freedom without fighting, but then refutes this idea. The word, “illusion” proves that it cannot be a reality. Patrick Henry also quotes, “…and listen to the song of the sirens that transforms us into beasts,” making an allusion a highly popular book of the time, The Odyssey. By making the reference, it reminds the people that he really is just another