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Rhetorical Analysis On Henry's Speech

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Henry emphasizes that the government's current tactics to gain liberty are not working, by questioning them. Henry asks “Shall we try to argument,” should they use reason to negotiate their freedom with the British government? He assures the Second Virginia council that would not work “Sir, we have been trying that for the past ten years.” He explains that failure is inevitable, if they are merely negotiating. Henry is implying they need a direct approach in order to achieve freedom: war.
In order to reinforce that war is the best option Henry uses religion to promote his cause. He explains that America will not fight its battles alone but “there is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.” He is saying God is on their side and will help them win the inevitable war. He is manipulating people’s ethics in order for them to be more …show more content…

He states “If we wish to be free” and finally obtain liberty “if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending.” We must not give up “the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged.” Which we have promised “ never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained,” the glorious object is their freedom. In order to fulfill all of these things he demands that “we must fight!”
In his last line of the speech Henry demonstrates how passionate he is about his freedom. He says “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” He is conveying the severity of issue, he would rather die than be ruled by Britain. After giving his speech he is sarcastic when saying “I do not know what course others may take.” He says this after giving a highly persuasive speech on why War with Britain is the only

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