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Patrick Henry's Speech Summary: Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death

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Enthusiastic American patriot Patrick Henry rallies together with colonial Americans in attempts to revise their view points during his iconic speech that took place in Richmond, Virginia in the drastic red, white, and blue days. Henry’s words left his mouth, occupying the room with the intentions of brawny revolutionary concepts, trying to convince them to escape Britain's firm grasp. He whips up a storm of fear so he can persuade the American colonists that the only way to release themselves of England's control is by gathering a must of courage and to fight. The iconic “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech begins with three paragraphs of him releasing his neutral stance but his revolutionary beliefs. Patrick states he is a proud American and is not swayed by others opinions. Claiming that he thinks with his own mind is an example of ethos: “ I shall speak …show more content…

Arguing, he claims despite criticism from those stating we are not ready to defend ourselves he utters we will never be stronger or weaker than we are now. Henry uses repetition of the word we to make this argument. “We have petitioned: we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne....”. Henry adds another piece of evidence to support his views using pathos. Again, fear is on his side as he writes: “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 us bound hand and foot?” In the same fashion, he uses another slavery comparison, and finishes strong with his iconic line, “give me liberty or give me death!”
Patrick Henry is a brave soul whose revolutionary ideas helped shape the country we know today. His speech used rhetoric as a way to spread his message which will live in

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