Speech In The Virginia Convention Speech Analysis

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In the years leading up to the American Revolution, there was a tense relationship between the colonists and their British rulers. Large gatherings in the colonies to discuss the grievances caused by the actions of the British were common. Patrick Henry applies the rhetorical strategies of allusions and repetition in his “Speech in the Virginia Convention” to assert that the colonists should believe fighting for their freedom and rights is necessary and that they must fight as soon as possible. Although Henry has rather radical beliefs in comparison to the other members of the Convention, he connects with them through religious and literary allusions that are able to convince them of his assertions. In his speech, Henry alludes to …show more content…

Henry is able to include the members of the Virginia Convention in his opinions with repetitive phrases that start with “[w]e have”, “[w]e are”, and “[w]e shall.” The word “we” invokes a sense of unity. The unifying aspect of his repetition causes the colonists to doubt their actions and to consider other solutions. However, the repetition of the word “peace” by the speaker shows that peaceful solutions are not working in favor of the colonies. Henry states that the delegates call for peace, yet there is no peace. The speaker presents his claim as an opinion of the colonies, which convinces the delegates that they must fight for their freedom and rights. He also shows the relevancy of his assertion through the lack of peace between the two opposing governments. The hostility between the nations is a result of the colonies attempting to create peace but failing due to being disrespected by the British. The speaker believes that the audience should fight for their freedom and defends his argument by repeatedly unifying them as a group. In conclusion, Patrick Henry conveys his opinions on what the colonists must do in order to gain freedom to the Virginia Convention through the rhetorical devices of allusion and repetition. Henry asserts the importance in the colonists believing in fighting for their freedom