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Patrick Henry's Speech To The Virginia Convention: An Analysis

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A person can only be as independent as their thoughts and actions allow them to be. During the time period of the Puritans, the idea of conformity and obedience was valued in their society. Soon after, the philosophy of Deism came about and they started to value the idea of free thought and independence more than the orthodox view of the Puritans. Finally, the age of Transcendentalism arose which appreciated the idea of individuality and hard work more than any other belief. Throughout the major literary philosophies in the United States, one can see how there was a social shift from conformity to individualism. Puritanism took place during a time of tradition and conformity where no new ideas were brought forth and no one challenged the way …show more content…

In Patrick Henry’s Speech to the Virginia Convention, Henry conveys his views to the Virginia Conference when he says that “Different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve” (125). Henry is expressing his personal opinion on different topics which was not done is centuries past due to the large presence of conformity. Not only is Henry expressing his own opinion but he is also respecting the views of others and their individualism. Additionally, In Abigail Adam’s letter to her husband, Letter to John Adams, she explains to him that “The Habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. All History will convince you of this, and that wisdom and penetration are the fruits of experience, not the Lessons of retirement and leisure” (online/157). Adams is introducing many new ways of thinking and solving problems to her husband which is a step towards the Deists’ view. She also wants her husband to start recognizing the power of reason and rationality through challenging our minds with new thoughts and new opinions that have not been thought

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