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Speech To The Second Virginia Convention Patrick Henry Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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Dumping 342 containers of tea into the Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773 was just the beginning of the rebellion against paying taxes to Great Britain. As the author and orator of the “Speech to the Second Virginia Convention,” Patrick Henry fights against being “slaves” to Great Britain. Henry utilizes rhetorical strategies such as, ethos, logos, and pathos to persuade Virginia to start the American Revolution. To show the audience that he has credibility, Patrick Henry starts his speech with, ”No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House” (Henry 1). He tells the audience that he has incredible patriotism for the colonies and that there are worthy gentlemen that have the ability to fight for our country. He uses ethos to tell the audience how serious he is and how …show more content…

Henry believes he has committed treason if he does not fight for freedom of the colonies. He also believes it is disloyal towards God. He uses religion to connect with the colonists because he knew they would if God was involved because they are exceedingly religious. In the most famous line in the speech, Henry uses pathos: “Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death” (Henry 3). This is Patrick Henry’s last plead to persuade the audience to start the war; it is his last plea to achieve freedom.
Patrick Henry achieved his wish to rebel against Great Britain. He used ethos, logos, and pathos to persuade the colonists to fight for what they believe in. Who knew that tossing tea bags into the Boston Harbor would start a

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