Rhetorical Analysis Of Patrick Henry's Speech

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March 23, 1775. A crowd of Virginia delegates were corralled into a tiny church to attend the second Virginia Convention where history was soon to be changed forever. On the third day of the convention Patrick Henry, a flamboyant rebel, arose from the mass to deliver a speech that would silence his opposition and encourage his supporters. “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” was articulated for the purpose of persuading the members of the convention to organize militia units in every county of Virginia and to stand up to Great Britain to gain their independence. Henry’s speech included protests against the ongoing and relentless British tyranny that invaded the colonists’ lives. Henry influences the delegates by using a combination of rhetorical …show more content…

‘It blazed so as to warm the coldest heart.’” (Kidd 2) This statement confirms Henry’s impact on the delegates and American citizens From the moment the colonists stepped foot on Plymouth Rock, the British bullied them like they were school children. From excessive tariffs and acts to nonconsensual British military bases on colonial soil, the British weaved themselves into every aspect of their lives. The Americans yearned for freedom and the ability to govern themselves. The Americans were firmly pressed under the giant thumb of the mighty monarch, King George III. As loyalty to the Crown diminished throughout the colonies, the desire to revolt against their mother country heightened. According to Jesse Jarnow’s book about Patrick Henry, the rebellion schemes were numerous. “Talk of rebellion has been brewing for some time. It had been festering for the past several years, as Britain levied a series of taxes on its American colonies” (5). Henry observed the resistance to the countless British …show more content…

The effect rhetorical questions had on his audience is evident in the impact “Give Me Liberty” had on American history. Henry asks questions relating to life under the British domination, British threats, and the only possible solution to their problem, revolution. By asking over 20 rhetorical questions, Henry expects his audience to become actively involved in his presentation instead of passively listening. Following quite a few of his own questions, he answers them abruptly, shutting down any contrasting answers. This gives off the vibe that Henry knows what he wants and what to do. This thought of certainty is very

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