Patrick Henry Figurative Language

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Utilizing figurative language, rhetorical appeals, and rhetorical devices is key to creating an effective and persuasive speech. Patrick Henry has done so in his speech “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” splendidly. Both Patrick Henry and Abraham Lincoln have made speeches encouraging America to take action. However, the difference between the two is their use of rhetoric and figurative language which is a category Patrick Henry reigns supreme in. Abraham Lincoln's speech “House Divided” can be argued to have a more effective use of figurative language, rhetorical appeals, and rhetorical devices however if you notice Patrick Henry's intelligent use of polysyndetons and other rhetorical devices. Moreover, Patrick Henry makes use of figurative …show more content…

An example of this is “Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?” However, some may argue that Abraham Lincoln's iconic speech had a better use of ethos. “Have we no tendency to the latter condition?” However, Patrick Henry's use of ethos was more effective to gain people's support. In this example, Lincoln uses ethos to make his audience feel guilty that they aren't as helpful but this isn't enough to compete with Patrick Henry’s …show more content…

“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?” Using rhetorical questions in speeches is a very useful tactic to have your audience feel involved and heard. “Why the outgoing President's felicitation on the indorsement? Why the delay of a reargument? Why the incoming President's advance exhortation in favor of the decision?” Lincoln's use of rhetorical questions felt more rushed than Henry's. Abraham Lincoln's example is also a rhetorical question more going out to the president and the government than for the