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Rhetorical Devices In Patrick Henry's Speech

800 Words4 Pages

Patrick Henry, former governor of Virginia, bravely spoke on the 23rd of March, 1775, at St. John’s Church, introducing his strategies to end the American Revolution in victory. The speech was so inspiring that it ignited a massive flame of patriotism. Americans began to greatly support his political ideology. Due to his stirring choice of words, the phrase “Give me liberty, or give me death!” impacted the listeners, making his remarkable words yet known to this date. Henry’s use of ethical appeal, logical and emotional appeals, as well as rhetorical devices, touched the audience. His persuasive techniques were the reason behind his exceptionally successful speech. The patriot strongly believed that the colonization of the British was a deadly virus that spread across the nation, killing the freedom of Americans. His goal was to stimulate action against the British forces by persuading the residents of Virginia that the only way to …show more content…

His choice of language is effective at evoking emotion. Through rhetorical questions, Henry was able to emphasize his points, and grab the audience’s attention, creating an emotional effect on the listeners. “Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?” These statements prove the speaker’s argument and stir the audience’s emotions. Henry also uses repetition, in order to create emphasis. It reinforces the purpose of the speech and the speaker’s main arguments. Here, Henry states, “We must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!” This exhibits the speaker’s inflammatory language, which calls for action, provokes anger, and triggers strong emotions. As it build momentum, it also establishes the idea in the listener’s mind. This easily makes the listener accept the

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He forces the audience to accept what he is saying as the truth. “We must fight!” a short exclamatory sentence which creates a sense of urgency into the audience. As the speech reaches its climax, and the excitement and energy that Henry has placed into the audience, they are now convinced and ready to charge into battle against the British. Patrick Henry’s “Speech to the Virginia Convention” was a call to arms to the colonist against the British during the 1700’s.

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