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Rhetorical Analysis Of Patrick Henry

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The year is 1765; Patrick Henry stands before a colonial assembly, booming the words “If this be treason, then make the most of it” in response to their claims of treason (u-s-history.com). The topic of openly admitting to treason is also expressed within what is commonly referred to as his most famous speech, “Speech to the Second Virginia Convention”. He begins the speech with a statement claiming that it should be considered treason to remain quiet on voicing issues, which ultimately correlates with the three main points repeatedly supported throughout: America needing to separate from the British, the fact that the colonists made multiple attempts in protesting peacefully, but must now resort to war, and the colonists knowing God will be …show more content…

Similar to the technique used by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, Henry lists the repeated acts of abuse completed by the British through allusion. He expresses utter discontent with the fact that the new American colonists have tried to “arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament” (Henry 2). He references how the ministry and Parliament, in simpler terms, the British government, has transformed from a monarchy to a tyranny, and as a result, has violated the citizen’s rights. This is apparently unacceptable; therefore, it gives reason to why America must become its own country. While allusion is an important aspect of portraying one part of Henry’s main focus in the speech, the rhetorical appeal that is pathos attributes to assisting in this. He finalizes the speech with a memorable line, “Give me liberty, or give me death” (Henry 2), which reminds the citizens that he is willing to die for this cause. More importantly, Henry appeals to the citizens emotions by influencing them to strive to adjust the status of the government that they faced oppression from. His determination and willingness is also made clear through this exclamation. Due to this, the citizens are affected, as well as inspired. Not only do the allusions and pathos demonstrated throughout this speech assist in Henry communicating his main points, but so do the metaphors and

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