Thomas Paine's Revolutionary Speech

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A Revolution is “an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by governed people.” Leading to how the common purpose of Revolutionary speeches is to persuade citizens to overthrow an individual political system or government. For example, the speech “The Crisis No. 1” by Thomas Paine and the Virginia Convention, “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!” speech by Patrick Henry. The purpose of these speeches was to rally up their people and go against a specific government, making these two speeches Revolutionary speeches. A way Thomas Paine achieved his purpose of his speech was emotion. Revolutionary speeches usually use pathos because it helps persuade people easier. When adding emotion, …show more content…

Thomas Paine also writes “I shall not now attempt to give all the particulars of our retreat [through New Jersey] to the Delaware [River], suffice it for the present to say, that both officers and men, though greatly harassed and fatigued, frequently without self, covering or provision, the inevitable consequences of a long retreat, bore it with a manly and martial spirit. All their wishes were one, which was, that the country would turn out and help them to drive the enemy back.” this is an example of being straightforward because he did not hold back what he wanted to say, which is a good thing because this is a good way to persuade citizens. It is also a good technique because it gives your point across easier and being straightforward easily goes against the enemy. Patrick Henry was also honest in his speech to help achieve his purpose. For example, Patrick Henry writes, “The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.” This quote is straightforward because he says what is on his mind without a struggle. This helps because the wording is also