The speech to the Virginia Convention, one of the most famous speeches of all American oratory. It is 1775, the patriots are reaching their breaking point with Britain. Patrick Henry becomes observant of the many colonists who are not caring about the revolution. Thus he gives his speech to the Virginia Convention to call the colonists to action as well as convert some loyalists to patriotism. Patrick Henry employs pathos in his Speech to the Virginia Convention to best persuade the colonists. It was necessary for Patrick Henry to persuade the colonists so they could all come together, take action against the British and recruit more patriots. Pathos is used when Henry says “Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love?” …show more content…
He states this to show that America has tried to be reasonable, but it is not working with Britain. This quote was effective because it shows that Britain has been uncooperative while we have been trying compromise as we break away from British rule. Patrick Henry also utilizes Pathos when he says “In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation” (Henry). This was effective because he uses sarcasm to show that there is no chance at peace or reconciliation with Britain after this is over. Ultimately, Pathos was the most effective form of rhetoric used in the speech. In his Speech to the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry uses pathos best persuade the colonists. Henry applies pathos in the form of sarcasm and rhetorical questions to get his point across. “Give me liberty or give me death!”, the last words of Patrick Henry's speech still generate passion