Patrick Henry“Speech to the Virginia

Convention”

McHale English III

Patrick Henry Born in Hanover County, Virginia in 1736Homeschooled because of rural locationExperienced “The Great Awakening” and listened to John Edwards’ sermonsTried farming and merchant life, but failedDiscovers a love for oratory (public speaking)

Adult LifeObtained law license in 1760

He argued that a king who would veto a law passed by a locally elected legislature was, “…a tyrant who forfeits the allegiance of his subjects."

This was the beginning of his struggle to ensure independence for the 13 Colonies.

Patrick Henry

Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses

Wrote numerous speeches throughout his lifetime

His most famous speech ended with the words, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

What to know about Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Convention” played a key role in turning colonial ideas against negotiation with England and toward armed rebellion.

Patrick Henry went against several of the Virginian statesmen to make his point with his speech.

He stood up for what he believed in, and would not back down until his voice was heard.

One month after Patrick Henry gave his speech in Virginia, the British marched on Concord, which would be the beginning of the American Revolution.

Patrick HenryPatrick Henry’s beliefs that colonists should pull away from British rule, and create their own country based on their own beliefs were expressed in his speech.

This was dangerous because at this time, Britain was the world power. Henry essentially takes on an empire in his speech.

Henry’s Persuasive Method

As we read and listen, he begins with a respectful rebuttal of previous speeches thereby establishing confidence with the audience (ethos)

But towards the end, his tone intensifies thus heightening the climax of the speech (pathos).

Persuasion causes the audience to want to take a specific action :

He establishes that the British are preparing for war by asserting that the war has already begun. (logos—facts)

He reminds the House that King George has been ignoring their pleas for relief from the “Intolerable Acts” (logos—facts)

Thus, he dismisses any thoughts for peaceful compliance. (logos—reasoning)

What is Oratory?• A form of public speaking•A qualified speakerSpeeches include these persuasive techniques for emphasis:

Rhetorical questionsRestatementRepetitionParallelismExclamation

Patrick henryFinally, he uses his words to persuade the

statesmen and readers to fight for what they believe in, and to not give in to the British.Ethos:

•Rhetoric based on one’s sense of morality.•Things that inspire trust/goodness

Pathos •Rhetoric based on one’s sense of emotion.•Emotional appeals

Logos•Rhetoric based on one’s sense of reason.•Logical appeals

Ethos• Form of persuasion that appeals to the

audience’s sense of what is morally just, or right. By appealing to a just God, he creates a connection between himself and his audience by appealing to a shared value.

• “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. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.”

PathosHe uses loaded words to add an emotional edge

to to his point. Examples of Loaded or Charged Words:

justice insidious

sentiments arduous

beseech subjugation

honor vigilant

supplicated slavery

prostrate spurned

LOGOS• Henry lists facts that have recently occurred:

– “It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope”—previous congressmen have expressed hope of relief in negotiation—not war.

– “Is it that insidious smile that our petition has been lately received?” --British Parliament has ignored their petitions for less taxes.

– “Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation?” -- More and more British troops are arriving every day.

Rhetorical Questions

• Rhetorical question/questionsRhetorical question/questions are the questions the speaker asks the audience. However, the audience internalizes the answer. Nothing is answered orally.

• “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?”

Restatement• RestatementRestatement is stating the same idea in

different words.

• “Trust it not!”• “Let us not deceive ourselves!”

• They are meant for us, sir—they can be meant for no other!”

Repetition

• RepetitionRepetition is repeating the exact same words over again.

• “…we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!”

Parallelism

• ParallelismParallelism refers to the repeated use of phrases, clauses, or sentences that are similar in structure or meaning.

• Writers use this technique to emphasize important ideas, create rhythm, and make their writing more forceful and direct.

• “…of the people, by the people, and for the people.” – Abraham Lincoln

Understanding Parallelsim

• Faulty ParallelismFaulty Parallelism“For my own part, what ever anguish of spirit it

may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth: to know the worst and I will provide for it.”

• Effective ParallelismEffective Parallelism“For my own part, whatever anguish of spirit it

may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

Identifying Parallel Structure• Are we disposed to be of the number of those who

having eyes see not, and having ears hear not?

• Ask yourself how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land.

• They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other.

• Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded.