Freedom In Patrick Henry's Speech

In certain cases, can violence be a better option than peace? In “Speech in the Virginia Convention,” Patrick Henry explains the necessity for fighting against the British to the delegates in the Virginia Convention. Henry develops his viewpoint by describing how fighting for freedom from the British is a better option for the colonies than keeping peace with the British and how the war for freedom is inevitable. One way Patrick Henry develops his viewpoint is by explaining how fighting for freedom from the British is better than keeping peace with them. In his speech, Henry proposes the question, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?” Henry is asking the delegates if peace is worth being

In his speech, Henry repeats the words, “Let [the delegates] not deceive [themselves]...” Henry repeats these words because he wants the delegates to understand that the British are already anticipating the war for freedom. Henry uses logos to explain how Britain does not have enemies “in [the western] quarter of the world” and how the British armies “are meant for [the colonies].” This evidence develops Henry’s viewpoint because it illustrates how “there is no retreat” for the colonies, so it is necessary for the colonies to fight the war for freedom. A question Patrick Henry asks the delegates is “Will [the time when the colonies become stronger] be when [the colonies] are totally disarmed, and when a British guard [is located] in every house?” Henry alludes to the Quartering Act because the act is another example of how the British are preparing for the war for freedom. The Quartering Act makes the delegates angry because they now understand that the only reason the act exists is so that Britain can be ready for the war against the colonies. This new discovery develops Henry’s viewpoint because it explains to the delegates that the colonies should not resist the war but, rather, the colonies should actually “let [the war for freedom] come.” To conclude, Patrick Henry develops his viewpoint on the necessity for fighting against the British by explaining how violence is a