Speech to the Second Virginia Convention Analysis From 1764 to 1773 British rule set forth a series of statutes upon the American colonies these varied from taxes to forcing colonists to house and feed British soldiers. The aftereffect of the enactments were the Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Because of the tea party, the British Parliament set a series of laws called the Intolerable Acts in 1774. This was meant to punish the colonies for their previous protests and riots, but instead it became the catalyst for the colonists to revolt. On March 23rd 1775 Patrick Henry gave a speech at the Second Virginia convention to persuade the conference goers to vote in favor of Virginia joining the revolution. To do this he uses specific wording to initiate outrage and feelings of being wronged as well as using his credibility as a christian, patriot, and congressman. Throughout his Speech Patrick mentions patriotism, even in the first line he states ‘No man thinks more highly than I do of patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have addressed the house.’ This appears to be to assure that he does not deny the patriotism of the men in the house because their opinions contrast his, this gives him a polite air as to not …show more content…
People weren’t avid readers but they knew the bible from cover to cover. A religious man was seen as credible and well read. Patrick Henry Knew this and used it well to be seen as reliable. When he talks of being guilty of treason for being complacent in the war, he says he is more disloyal to his god which he holds above all earthly kings. He also uses God to reassure that they would not lose if they joined, because God is on their side. ‘Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in out power…’ (Henry 3). This use of religion strengthens spirits and strengthens
In 1775, American colonists were divided about their relationship to Great Britain. Some were hoping to work out disagreements and remain British subjects. Others, like Patrick Henry, believed that the only choice left was to go to war with Britain. In his speech to fellow Virginian patriots, Henry makes an effort to persuade them into fighting for freedom. Henry uses ethos to convince his audience, sharing his morals and values with everyone so that they appreciate and respect him.
“Speech to the Virginia Convention” was the famous speech both written and argued by Patrick Henry in March of 1775. This statement managed to catapult the countrymen of the west, and declare war against the British forces and ultimately gain their freedom and independence. Henry’s view about the use of war to maintain freedom often has many ways of being interpreted. Why must Henry hastily look to war as a means of solving their problem with the British? As a matter of fact, in Henry’s speech, he believes that they have exercised all possible options to maintain peace and have been too passive and must take firm action.
In the speech “Speech in the Virginia Convention” (1775), Patrick Henry, one of the most powerful orators of the American Revolution, and an important political leader of that era, argues that “If [the American colonists] wish to be free… [they] must fight!” and that it is in vain to try for peace with the British. Henry proves the need for war by predicting the future using examples from the past (“I know no way of judging the future but by the past), by asking emotionally charged rhetorical questions (“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?”), and by countering the claim that there is a need for peace (“Gentleman may cry, ‘Peace, Peace!’-but there is no peace. The war is actually begun!”).
Patrick Henry’s “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech was given out during the Revolutionary era. During this period in time the founding fathers were in the second Virginia convention deciding if they should make an infantry to fight against Great Britain and be able to gain their freedom. There were many discussions regarding this issue since many of the colonies were afraid of being killed since this infantry was going to be made out of mostly farmers and colonists who did not have any type of military experience. This frightened everyone since many of them believed that the infantry would not be able to win in a revolutionary war.
Nehemiah Wright Ms. Guidorizzi Junior English Per. 6 21 September 2016 Virginian Persuasion Patrick Henry, a revolutionary who could persuade a charging rhinoceros to change directions became one of the most important founding fathers during the early stages of the Revolutionary War. While the thirteen colonies were on edge trying to decide whether or not a permanent militia was to be put in place. Mr. Henry came to the forefront and, using words alone, swayed enough of the congressmen’s opinions to have that militia put in place.
Well-known orator and attorney, Patrick Henry, in his speech, “Speech in the Virginia Convention” (1775), asserts that Americans must fight for their independence against Britain. Henry’s purpose is to take a stand against the British government. He adopts an acrimonious tone in order to call influential Virginian landowners to action and persuade them to advocate the revolution. Henry appeals to emotions through the use of syntax in order to emphasize the British government’s refusal to acquiesce with the colonists’ requests. For instance, Henry begins his speech by asking if Great Britain has an “enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies” not to receive an answer, but to indicate that the
He is one of the most outgoing founding fathers and doesn't hesitate to proclaim his opinion, which is shown in this speech. Patrick Henry is a lover of liberty. This fact is stated many times in his speech. The very first thing he says in his speech is: "No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. " Patriotism is the
Patrick henry uses rhetorical appeals by using God to persuade memebers of the virginia convention to go to war with Britian. He uses pathos, logos, and ethos because he appeasl to peoples emotions and how they feel about going to war with Britain. Henry is a person who fights to get what he wants. He's a man that believes fighting is the only way of getting freedom. Henry is a credible speaker because of this he gets some to agree with him on going to war with Britain, and some still disagree becasue some say they are not ready, they are weak.
In 1775 the American Colonies stood at a tipping point. Britain and the Colonies had been embroiled in a continuing struggle over numerous injustices, and the Colonies seemed at long last situated to engage in a revolution against Britain. However, the colonial representatives were still tied up in negotiations with Britain, and many delegates of the Virginia Convention wanted to delay actions until the negotiations had concluded. Patrick Henry disagreed with the delay, so he addressed the Convention, arguing for the need to mobilize troops against the British, a request tantamount to treason. Instead of shying away from the polarizing nature of his argument, Henry adopted a respectful, but urgent, tone, crafting an argument that would inspire his audience into action.
Patrick wanted the Colonist to know that the British were trying to take their freedom and rights so they should fight back and stand against them. By Appealing to the Colonist feelings, gaining their trust, and backing up what he was trying to prove with facts he made the colonist really see what was going on and showed them why they should fight against the British. This speech is important because it shows how well you can get your point across by using a rhetorical appeal or as Patrick did, use all three of
During this time, religion was very important so it was very crucial for Patrick Henry to mention this in his speech, because it was a main appeal everyone had in common. Finally, Patrick Henry uses the rhetorical appeal of logos, logic appeal. Mr. Henry uses logos when he says, “...what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission?”. This is a logical analysis, because he points out that there is no other reason for the warlike products, but for the Americans. Another logical point Mr. Henry makes is when he says “...we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on...petitioned...remonstrated...supplicated...and implored its interposition...
Patrick Henry Argument Analysis Throughout Patrick Henry’s speech, he uses many literary devices to convey his thought and opinions to his audience, and with it, he hopes to alter or sway their views on the subject matter. Starting from the very end of Henry's speech, he states “but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”, this now infamous line uses the logical fallacy of false dilemma. This fallacy, also known as either/or, plays to his advantage as it makes the problem seem greater than it actually is by only presenting two extreme options, liberty or death. Another literary device Henry uses in his speech, is ethos, which appeals to the audience's moral or ethical plane.
Patrick Henry’s claim in his speech to the Virginia Convention is war with England is the only way to win freedom and their desires because England makes this the only choice. Before Patrick went up there were other men that had spoken before him, these men were speaking their views on whether or not they should initialize the war. Once Patrick has his chance to say his part he believes that they should fight because England hasn’t been fair. Patrick states this basically by saying “An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us”. This is such a powerful statement because what he’s proposing is extremely dangerous.
Patrick Henry’s, in his speech, Speech in Virginia Convention, he emphasizes that. Henry’s purpose is to use emotional appeal to establish that if they were tired of the British pushing them around then they needed to make a stand. He adopts an insightful tone in order to justify that Americans will have to take action. Henry, in his first paragraph, established the classical appeal of ethos to set his credibility for his audience.
The Fuel To Our Fire Man can be created to read poems; but not every man has the ability to write them. On the other hand, Patrick Henry was extremely profound at sparking up the American Revolution. With Britain oppressing the rights of the colonists, Henry knew it was time to retaliate. At this time, the people were extremely content with their daily life, therefore they chose to stand by and do nothing about the problems the British caused. This was, of course, until Henry came out and impacted the people with his famous speech, “Speech To The Virginia Convention”.