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Patrick Henry Speech Rhetorical Devices

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In this speech, the speaker is Patrick Henry. He was a lawyer, politician, and planter from the United States. He was one of the founding fathers who had served in Virginia's first and sixth post-colonial governorships, from 1776 to 1779 and 1784 to 1786, consecutively. We know that he gave his speech, "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," on March 23, 1775, at the Second Virginia Convention. Henry's purpose of this speech is to persuade and inform civilizations that it is time to rebel and take a stand against British rule. He also hoped to inspire the American nation to stand up and seek freedom during the American Revolution. Patrick Henry was giving a speech to 120 representatives at the VA Conference, some of those who were in attendance …show more content…

He is also using an extensive metaphor of enslavement. Patrick uses association, logical, and emotional appeals during his speech at the conference. Patrick Henry’s speech has a compelling, clear, and serious tone. He uses these rhetorical choices to communicate the themes of freedom, independence, and equality. All throughout Henry's speech, he has shown passion and energy to begin a war against Britain. He has an urgent attitude, as he knows this needs to get done, and is trying to convince them to think the same. He uses ethos, pathos, and logos in his speech. With his well-known final line, "... give me liberty or give me death,” (Patrick Henry) Henry demonstrates the urgency of the situation and further establishes his authority. The delegates were motivated by the use of pathos. "The question before the House is a terrible moment for this nation. For my part, I see it as essentially a choice between freedom and enslavement” (Patrick Henry); According to Patrick Henry, they will either become free people or slaves. Patrick Henry uses logos to support his claim and his position in favor of war. "What terms shall we find which have not already been exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on." (Patrick Henry) He also uses the rhetorical question “And what have we to oppose to

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