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Persuasive Rhetoric in Patrick Henry's Speech

Explore Patrick Henry's influential speech in the Virginia Convention, analyzing his persuasive appeals, rhetorical questions, allusions, and elevated diction. Henry's call for independence and impactful closing line showcase his commitment and courage in rallying support for armed rebellion. Discover the rhetorical devices employed in this iconic historical speech.

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Persuasive Rhetoric in Patrick Henry's Speech

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  1. “Speech in the Virginia Convention” Patrick Henry

  2. About the Selection • Patrick Henry’s speech in the convention played a key role in turning colonial sentiment against negotiation with England and toward armed rebellion. • He begins the speech with a respectful rebuttal to the previous speeches, but then he defends his call for independence.

  3. About the Selection • Henry argues that colonists have tried every argument but discussion is useless in averting the coming conflict. • By establishing that the British are preparing for war, he asserts the war has already begun, undercutting any arguments for peaceful compliance.

  4. Speech • Speeches are written works that are delivered orally. • Effective speeches include • Restatement – repeating an idea in a variety of ways • Repetition – repeating an idea using the same words • Parallelism – repeating grammatical structures • Rhetorical questions – asking a question whose answer is self-evident

  5. Diction • Diction is the choice and arrangement of words • Denotation is the dictionary definition of the word. • Connotation is the set of associations implied by a word in addition to its literal meaning.

  6. Persuasive Appeal • When reading a persuasive speech, one must evaluate the persuasive appeals that the speaker makes. • Does the speaker appeal to emotion? • Does the speaker appeal to reason?

  7. Elevated Diction • What phrases in the opening of the speech indicates Henry’s sophisticated diction? • “No man thinks more highly than I do …” • “I shall speak forth my sentiments…” • “… in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate.”

  8. Purpose/Audience • What is Henry’s purpose? • He is trying to persuade listeners to fight for independence. • Who is Henry’s audience? • His audience is made up of Virginia statesmen; therefore, his diction would most likely be formal and sophisticated.

  9. Content • Does Henry agree or disagree with those who spoke before him? • Henry disagrees with them. • How does the audience know this? • “But different men often see the same subject in different lights…”

  10. Rhetorical Questions • Asking a rhetorical question is one technique a speaker can use in a speech. • Because the answers to rhetorical questions are evident, they often stir up the emotions of listeners. • Read the last paragraph on p.188 where he uses many rhetorical questions.

  11. Rhetorical Questions • What is the effect of the rhetorical questions Henry uses? • These questions counter any possible argument from those who still hesitate about going to war. • They also help to stir up the indignation and frustration of the listeners.

  12. Persuasive Appeals • “Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.” • Henry argues that God, who is on the side of the just, will favor their cause.

  13. Persuasive Appeal • How well does this religious appeal suit Henry’s audience and occasion? • Listeners who foresaw the establishment of a new nation would have responded well to Henry’s appeal.

  14. Allusions • “We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts.” • In Homer’s Odyssey the enchantress Circe transforms men into swine after charming them with her singing.

  15. Allusions • “Are we disposed to be of the number of those who having eyes see not, and having ears hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation.” • Ezekiel 12:2 – “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not…”

  16. Allusions • “Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.” • Luke 22:47-48 – “And while yet he spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest you the Son of Man with a kiss.”M

  17. Allusions • “The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone…” • Ecclesiastes 9:11 “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.”

  18. Content • What measures, short of war, have the colonists tried? • They have tried organizing protests and petitioning the king for justice.

  19. Strong Closing • “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” • Henry was deeply committed to the cause of independence. He was bringing a death sentence on himself if the colonists failed to win the war. He was a man of courage who was willing to risk all for his beliefs.

  20. Rhetorical Devices • Problem-solution Argument • Charged words • Allusions – biblical and mythological • Elevated diction • Rhetorical questions • Strong concluding thought (modern-day sound bite)

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