Rhetorical Analysis Of Speech To The Virginia Convention

Patrick Henry, a speaker at the Virginia Convention, proclaims, â€Å"I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!† (Henry 7). In an attempt to allure a congregation with antithetical perspectives, Henry urgently supplicates for the proclamation of war in opposition to the British rule. After acknowledging the multiple accounts of unjust occurrences against the colonists, he implores the individuals in his audience to confront the inconsiderate government. The inhumane actions against the colonists lead to Henry’s feelings of slavery, oppression, and tormentation, concluding his overall viewpoints. However, Henry places his faith in the use of persuasion. In Patrick Henry’s Speech To The Virginia†¦show more content†¦Henry utilizes a striking and descriptive language to generate emotions of aggravation through the audience members, hoping their irritation turns towards Britain. The emotions they endure helps th em shape their decision as to why peace is no longer beneficial. Motivation to take action is more likely to occur if there is emotional prominence in specific phrases. Without the use of pathos, there is no connection between the addresser and the listener, making it difficult to convince the contradictory side to trust the opposing request. Henry then continues to persuade with his speech by incorporating rhetorical questions to leave the audience in a state of pondering. In an attempt to interact with the audience, Henry bluntly questions, â€Å"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?† (Henry 2). Although this sentence is asked as a question, it does not ask for a response, rather it asks for awareness. The colonists are oblivious to the fact that they are unequivocally blindsided by Britain, to the point where they do not fathom what is occurring. Questions such as this one emphasize Henry’s views as they set everything in a clear and precise tone for audience members with opposing standpoints. To continue the conclusion of his overall message, Henry declares, â€Å"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains andShow MoreRelatedThe Speech To The Virgi nia Convention Rhetorical Analysis883 Words   |  4 PagesRhetorical Analysis of Henry Outline Introduction Attention getter- Thesis- The rhetorical devices in the Speech to the Virginia Convention by Patrick Henry is very effective. Appeals Emotional Context and quote- This quote appears during Henry responds to the opposing argument, giving reasons to refute it. â€Å"There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! 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