Atticus and the Art of Rhetoric Worksheet and Answer Key

Advisor: Robert A. Ferguson, George Edward Woodberry Professor in Law, Literature and Criticism, Columbia University, National Humanities Eye Boyfriend
Copyright National Humanities Center, 2015

What arguments, appeals, and rhetorical strategies did Patrick Henry use in 1775 to persuade reluctant members of the 2nd Virginia Convention to develop a military response to British assailment?

Agreement

In 1775 American independence was non a foregone conclusion. While there had been unrest and resistance in Massachusetts with scattered acts of back up from other areas, no organized movement toward revolution existed across the Colonies. Virginia ranked amongst the largest, wealthiest, and most populous colonies in 1775, and her political and military support for independence would be crucial for success. In this speech communication Patrick Henry (1736–1799) uses powerful rhetoric to convince influential, affluent, landed men of Virginia with much to lose to move past their electric current diplomatic posture opposing British aggression to the more treasonous i of open up armed forces preparedness.

Patrick Henry, 1736–1799

Text

Patrick Henry, speech communication to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775.

Text Type

Spoken language, not-fiction.

Text Complexity

Grade xi-CCR complexity band.

For more than information on text complexity see these resource from achievethecore.org.

In the Text Analysis department, Tier 2 vocabulary words are divers in pop-ups, and Tier iii words are explained in brackets.

Click here for standards and skills for this lesson.

X

Common Core State Standards

• ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.i (cite bear witness to clarify specifically and by inference)
• ELA-LITERACY.RI.xi-12.iv (determine the meaning of words and phrases)
• ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6 (decide author'south point of view)

Avant-garde Placement Us History

• Central Concept 3.1 (IIB) (arguments virtually rights of British subjects, the rights of the individual,…)

Teacher'southward Annotation

In this lesson students volition deconstruct Patrick Henry's famous speech to explore the tools of constructive persuasion, including appeals, rhetorical strategies, and classical argument. This is a persuasive speech, one intended not only to present an argument but as well to persuade the audience to deed. While the speech tin exist used to investigate issues of freedom, ability, and rights of the governed, this lesson focuses upon effective rhetoric. The speech includes several Biblical allusions — revolutionary rhetoricians oft used Biblical references because it allowed them to speak more strongly against Britain without using overtly treasonous speech.

The text of this speech is well known; less well known is the fact that at that place was no bodily transcript created of Henry'south oral communication — after all, these discussions smacked of treason, and keeping a written record would have been dangerous. In an environment of digital media and world-wide instant communication, students may wonder how Henry's words were preserved. This speech was recreated in 1817 by William Wirt of Maryland, who published the first biography of Patrick Henry. Wirt drew upon materials collected beginning in 1808, including interviews with those who knew Henry and those who were nowadays when the speech was delivered. For an electronic version of Wirt's book, visit this link: Sketches of the Life and Graphic symbol of Patrick Henry.

The provenance of the speech communication notwithstanding, Henry's words provide a rich source to study rhetorical strategies and classical argument, and that study is the focus of this lesson. This text divides into 4 sections aligned to the arrangement of classical argument.

1. The first two paragraphs form the introduction (Exordium). The Exordium attempts to engage the audience, to prepare them for the message to come, and to explain the purpose (thesis) of the voice communication.
2. The third paragraph provides the argument of fact (Narratio) and statement (Confirmatio). The Narratio contextualizes the argument, presenting any background information necessary, while the Confirmatio explains the evidence that supports the thesis.
3. The fourth paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments (Refutatio).
4. The final paragraph forms the conclusion (Peroratio). The Peroratio serves several purposes: to restate an argument, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses.

Each paragraph is accompanied by a number of close reading questions designed to invite student analysis in four major areas: classical argument construction, diction and syntax, rhetorical strategies, and argumentative appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos).

This lesson is divided into 2 parts, both attainable below. The teacher's guide includes a groundwork note, the text analysis with responses to the close reading questions, access to the interactive exercises, and a follow-upwards assignment. The student's version, an interactive PDF, contains all of the in a higher place except the responses to the close reading questions and the follow-upwardly assignment.

Instructor's Guide (continues below) Background note Text analysis and close reading questions with respond key Interactive exercises Follow-upward assignment

Student Version (click to open) Interactive PDF Background note Text analysis and close reading questions Interactive exercises

Teacher'southward Guide

Background

Groundwork Questions

1. What kind of text are we dealing with?
2. When was information technology written?
3. Who wrote it?
4. For what audience was it intended?
5. For what purpose was it written?

In 1775 unrest bubbled through the American Colonies. U.k. had severely restricted Massachusetts through the Intolerable Acts; towns were voting to cold-shoulder British goods, and British soldiers were condign a common sight in the American Colonies. In this lesson you will explore a famous speech by Patrick Henry (1736–1799), fellow member of the 2nd Virginia Convention. Patrick Henry is not speaking in the Virginia House of Burgesses [the state legislature] in Williamsburg because it had been dissolved the year before by Royal Governor Dunmore. Resenting this British interference with local authorities, the members of the House of Burgesses regrouped as a country convention. In guild to avoid whatever interference from British troops, the 2nd Convention of approximately 120 delegates met in Richmond, Virginia, from March xx through March 27.

The American Colonies were attempting to negotiate with British in 1775, and many of Henry's boyfriend delegates wanted to wait until these negotiations were completed before taking action. Only Henry felt that delay would be a major mistake. On March 23, 1775, he asked the Virginia Convention to have a defensive stance immediately against Cracking Uk by raising an armed company in every Virginia county — an activity considered by many to exist open treason. His spoken communication reflected language and deportment far more radical that his fellow delegates were willing to go in public, simply Henry based his asking upon the assumption that even more ambitious military actions by the British would soon follow. Xx-vii days afterwards this oral communication was delivered the Battles of Lexington and Concord proved Henry correct.

In this lesson you will expect at Patrick Henry's speech and analyze his methods for convincing his fellow members of the Virginia Convention to take a military stance against the British. These delegates were wealthy and powerful and they had much to lose; Henry's request was a large decision that many of them were reluctant to make. Henry used not only rhetorical devices but as well the strategies of classical argument, making a potentially confusing situation simple and straightforward as he attempted to move all his fellow delegates toward the same result. His recommendations were accustomed by the Convention.

The speech divides into the four parts of a classical argument, defined below. As y'all analyze the individual parts of the speech, look also for how these parts of the argument work together.

1. The first two paragraphs form the introduction (Exordium). The Exordium attempts to engage the audition, preparing them for the message to come, and to explicate the purpose (thesis) of the speech.
2. The third paragraph provides the statement of fact (Narratio) and argument (Confirmatio). The Narratio contextualizes the statement, presenting any background data necessary, while the Confirmatio lays out in social club the evidence to back up the thesis.
3. The fourth paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments (Refutatio).
4. The final paragraph forms the conclusion (Peroratio). The Peroratio may perform several purposes: to restate an argument, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses.

Text Analysis

Paragraph 1: Exordium

Close Reading Questions

Activity: Vocabulary
Acquire definitions by exploring how words are used in context.

i. The showtime paragraph of classical statement, the exordium, seeks to engage the audition and ready them to hear the speaker'south message. Give an example in this paragraph of an attempt to engage the audience and an instance of an endeavor to prepare the audience.
Henry seeks to engage his audition by showing his respect for them. He recognizes and compliments the patriotism and abilities of the other members of the Convention in his outset sentence (note that Henry continues to accost the trunk equally the House). He prepares his audience by expresses the hope that they will show him the same respect when he states in sentence 2, "I hope it will not be thought disrespectful…" Even though he will exist speaking reverse to what has been previously presented, he reminds his audition that they are all colleagues by referring to the entire grouping, as in judgement half dozen, "we tin hope to go far at the truth."

2. Some other function of the exordium is to explain the purpose of the speech communication. What purpose does Henry institute, and to what is he appealing in social club to emphasize this purpose?
The purpose of the debate, of which this speech is a part, is to "go far at truth" and fulfill the "great responsibleness which we agree to God and our country" (judgement half dozen). He is appealing to the ethical integrity of his audition past articulating their earthly and heavenly responsibilities.

three. Why does Henry employ the term "gentlemen" twice in the first 2 sentences?
In gild for others to accept a different idea, they must beginning believe they are being respected. Henry seeks to plant his respect for those who do non agree with him by referring to them as gentlemen. In addition, Henry is hoping to imply that since he is also a member of the Convention that they will give him and his ideas the same respect.

iv. Why does Henry brainstorm the 2nd sentence with "only"?
This is a rhetorical shift in perspective that helps to set up his audition. Fifty-fifty though he is a beau member of the Convention, he uses a rhetorical shift to explain that what he volition say from that indicate on will be different than that heard before.

5. In sentence 3 what does Henry mean when he says, "this is no time for ceremony"? Why does he use the term "ceremony"?
He means this is no fourth dimension to just say things considering they might sound conciliatory, since ceremonies are often for visual display rather than actual activity. He is emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of this debate and establishing the importance of immediate, serious discussion rather than a postponement of the issue (recall that some members of the Convention wished to wait until negotiations had run their course before starting time military preparedness).

6. What does Henry mean by "atrocious moment" in sentence 4? Why does he utilize this phrase?
He ways that the question under give-and-take is extremely important with potentially life-changing consequences. He is recognizing the treasonable nature of this discussion, displaying not but his ain courage simply asking his fellow delegates to testify courage as well.

7. In judgement 5, when Henry states, "I consider it as zero less than a question of freedom or slavery," he commits a logical fallacy. The imitation dichotomy (either-or) fallacy gives simply two options with no choices in betwixt, and Henry uses this intentionally. Why?
By eliminating other options he is focusing his argument. He wants the listeners to understand that there are only 2 options; freedom, which he is advocating, or slavery, which he knows these proud, wealthy men, many of whom are slaveholders, will non tolerate.

8. In sentence 7 Henry argues on the basis of "ethos," which is Greek for "character." Such an argument is chosen an "ethical appeal." It attempts to win over listeners on the basis of the trustworthiness of the speaker. How, in this sentence, does Henry propose that his listeners can trust him?
By appealing to religion as he calls upon the "majesty of sky," Henry makes an ethical (ethos) appeal that his audition will understand intellectually and emotionally. The Convention members consider themselves to be men of integrity and ethics, as Henry acknowledged in sentence 1. In sentence 7 Henry is asking them to understand that he likewise is compelled to speak based on his ain sense of integrity (if he holds back, he would consider himself "guilty of treason"). He reminds his audition that he, similar them, is a believer and is trustworthy.

nine. How does the ethical appeal in sentence 7 chronicle to the ethical appeal in sentence one?
In judgement 1 Henry acknowledges the patriotism of the members of the Firm who take just spoken. In sentence vii he enumerates his ain ethics, stating that he must speak now or be guilty of both treason to his country and disloyalty to the "majesty of heaven." This reaffirms his trustworthiness with his audition.

MR. PRESIDENT: (ane) No man thinks more highly than I practice of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have simply addressed the House. (two) But unlike men often see the same subject field in different lights; and, therefore, I promise it will non be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I practise, opinions of a grapheme very contrary to theirs, I shall speak along my sentiments freely, and without reserve. (3) This is no time for anniversary. (4) The question earlier the House is ane of awful moment to this country. (5) For my ain part, I consider it as cypher less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to exist the liberty of the fence. (half dozen) It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we agree to God and our state. (seven) Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fearfulness of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Statue of Patrick Henry, Richmond, Virginia.

Paragraph 2: Exoridum, continued

Close Reading Questions

x. In this second paragraph of the exordium, Henry works to explain the importance and timeliness of his argument by setting up a contrast between illusions and truth in sentences 8 and 12. Co-ordinate to Henry, which will his argument comprise and which will information technology Non comprise?
He states that it is "natural to man to indulge in the illusions of promise" but in the concluding sentence of the paragraph he clearly says he will not practice that — he will know the "whole truth." His argument will contain truth merely will not contain illusions.

11. Henry uses the word "hope" several times in this speech. Give an case of an "illusion of hope" that Henry suggests in this 2nd paragraph.
One illusion would exist the idea that the Colonies and Great Great britain could negotiate an acceptable peace without war.

12. Allusions, unexplained references to other sources, are commonly based upon the Bible or mythology. What innuendo does Henry use in sentence nine when he says "listen to the vocal of that siren till she transforms us into beasts?" How does this allusion contribute to his argument?
He is alluding to the sirens constitute in the ballsy The Odyssey. Siren calls are alluring and hard to resist even if expected, but they can exist mortiferous. Henry is proverb that to listen to this call, this "illusion of hope", even though it is tempting, will prove fatal and transform the Convention into something unable to reason and act (beasts).

13. Henry uses multiple biblical allusions with which his educated audition would exist familiar. In sentence xi he says "Are we disposed of the number of those who, having eyes, run into not, and, having ears, hear not." This is from Ezekiel 12:2, when god describes how those who hear Ezekiel's words and practice not heed volition be destroyed. How does this allusion contribute to Henry'due south argument?
Henry is implying that not seeing or listening to his statement volition lead to devastation.

xiv. Juxtaposition means to put two elements next, oftentimes for comparison. Henry does this in sentences 11 and 12. What is his purpose in beginning asking if they are "tending to… see not, and… hear not" then stating, "…I am willing to know the whole truth: to know the worst, and to provide for it"?
He again sets up a choice for his audience. Would they rather ignore the situation and have dangerous outcomes (this choice is defined by the previous allusions to the sirens and Ezekiel) or instead know the truth and fix? He clearly indicates that he chooses the 2nd option.

(8) Mr. President, it is natural to homo to indulge in the illusions of hope. (9) We are apt to close our optics against a painful truth, and heed to the song of that siren till she transforms usa into beasts. (ten) Is this the function of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? (11) Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear non, the things which and then virtually business organisation their temporal salvation? (12) For my 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.

Henry delivered his 1775 speech at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Paragraph 3: Narratio and Confirmatio

Close Reading Questions

The Narratio contextualizes the argument, including presenting any background information necessary, while the Confirmatio lays out in social club the evidence to support the thesis. Henry lists several negotiation attempts by colonists and British responses. He uses rhetorical strategies and appeals to further develop his argument, making certain that each item is contextualized from the Colonial perspective.

15. Henry begins this paragraph with another Biblical allusion, "ane lamp past which my anxiety are guided" (Psalms 119:105). Rather than the discussion of God, which is the lamp plant in the Biblical verse, what is the lamp that Henry uses to guide his feet in sentence 13? Why does he make this connexion?
The lamp is experience. Henry recounts past experiences and events that "guide his feet" and make fighting a necessity.

16. Henry continues to use "gentlemen" in this paragraph. Why?
He wants to maintain his respect for his audience and remind them that he is ane of them. Every bit his statement builds he wants to take them along with him — reiterating the fact that they are esteemed colleagues.

17. What does "solace" mean? Why does Henry utilise this term?
"Solace" ways comfort in distress. Henry cautions his audience that the "hopes" of the by may accept been used to comfort the Convention, but such comfort is an illusion and volition not last.

xviii. Henry uses parallelism (structuring phrases in similar fashion) several times in this paragraph. Consider sentence 40, especially the verbs. How does Henry use both parallelism and verb option (diction) to explain that the Colonies have tried many steps to maintain peace?
"Nosotros have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; nosotros have prostrated; [nosotros] have implored…" He uses the parallel structure to indicate the process by which the Colonies have taken multiple steps to resolve differences. He chooses verbs that are increasingly dramatic to remind his audience that the Colonies accept tried everything without result. Consider "petition" (to bring written grievances) versus "remonstrate" (to forcefully protestation) versus "supplicate" (to beg earnestly or humbly) versus "prostrate" (to totally submit) versus "implore" (to beg desperately).

xix. In the second paragraph Henry spoke of the "illusions of hope." In judgement 43 he says, "There is no longer whatever room for promise." Why did he use this term again?
He is linking this part of his argument to the exordium and explaining that whatever adventure of hope no longer exists. He is moving his audition away from the position of illusive promise that they may have held at the offset of his speech toward another position.

xx. Henry over again makes a Biblical allusion in judgement 18, "Endure not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss." Christ was betrayed by his disciple Judas through the osculation of brotherhood, which led to Christ's abort and crucifixion (Luke 22:47). Who does Henry believe represents Judas and how does this allusion every bit a metaphor contribute to Henry'due south argument?
He believes the British represent Judas and that while they will appear brotherly to the Colonies they will betray, leading to Colonial downfall.

21. Antithesis means to put two ideas together in order to dissimilarity them, pointing out their differences. In sentence 20, what does Henry contrast with "love and reconciliation"? What is the effect?
He contrasts them with "fleets and armies." The effect is to highlight the fact that Great Great britain does non consider "love and reconciliation" a viable strategy, since they have responded with "fleets and armies," and these should be "the last arguments to which kings resort." Henry emphasizes that Great U.k. has already taken the matter by the diplomatic phase to the military level.

22. Hypophora is a special type of rhetorical question whereby a question is asked and then answered by the speaker (equally opposed to a typical rhetorical question, which is either not answered or has a aye/no answer). A hypophora is useful to present to an audition issues they may not have considered in depth. Find at to the lowest degree one instance of hypophora in this paragraph and explain its contribution to Henry's argument.

Some possibilities follow:

• "Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of honey and reconciliation?" "These are the implements of war; the last arguments to which kings resort." (sentences 20 and 23). Henry emphasizes the seriousness of the military machine response that Great Uk has already displayed.
• "Has Groovy Uk any enemy, in this quarter of the earth, to telephone call for all this accumulation of navies and armies?" "No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other." (sentences 26 and 27). Henry points out that the British war machine response cannot be interpreted as anything other than a direct claiming to the Colonies.
• "And what have nosotros to oppose to them? Shall nosotros endeavour statement?" "Sir, we have been trying that for the concluding ten years." (sentences 30, 31, and 32). Henry reminds his audience that the Colonies accept been trying to negotiate for ten years without results.

23. Henry first mentions slavery in paragraph one when he contrasts it with liberty. Discover an example of slave imagery in this paragraph. What is Henry's purpose in using this prototype in paragraph 3?
In sentence 29 Henry states, "They [the armies and fleets] are sent over to demark and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry take been and so long forging." He wishes to continue the epitome of slavery to explain that the Colonies have used argument to combat the attempts of the British to enslave them, but these efforts have failed. Convention delegates included slaveholders who would recognize and recoil from this imagery.

24. Rhetorical parenthesis is the insertion into a judgement of an explanatory word or phrase. Consider sentence 42, "In vain, afterwards these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation." Identify the parenthesis and Henry'south purpose for including information technology.
The parenthesis is "afterwards these things," and Henry is referring to the Colonies' attempts at reconciliation. Past using the parenthesis he connects those failed attempts to the stop of the "hope of peace and reconciliation."

25. Metonomy and synecdoche are special types of metaphors. In a metonomy, something strongly associated with an element is substituted for it (for instance, "The White House" is substituted for "the President"). In a synecdoche, role of an element substitutes for the whole (for instance, "farm hands" ways "farm laborers"). Find an example of metonomy and synecdoche in this paragraph and identify what each represents.
"The foot of the throne" (sentence 41) is metonomy, representing the King. "Tyrannical hands of the ministry building and Parliament" (sentence 40) is synecdoche, representing the British government.

26. Henry finishes this paragraph with an appeal to logic in the form of an "if… then" statement. What is the "if… then" statement in this paragraph?
He states in judgement 44, "If nosotros wish to be complimentary… [then] nosotros must fight"!

27. Henry builds to a syllogistic argument, an appeal to logic, at the stop of this paragraph. Identify the three parts of his syllogism (Major premise [A], Small-scale premise [B], and Conclusion), citing evidence from the text.

• Major premise [A]: We must either talk or fight to reach results.
• Minor premise [B]: Talking does non achieve results.
• Conclusion: Therefore, we must fight to achieve results.

For more than information nigh syllogisms, come across Agreement Syllogisms

28. In this paragraph Henry uses emotional appeals, language intended to create an emotional response from the audience. Choose three examples of emotional language from excerpt 3. You may choose words, phrases, imagery, or other linguistic communication elements. For each of your examples explain how they are intended to arouse Henry's audience.
Answers volition vary.

(13) I have but ane lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. (xiv) I know of no way of judging of the future just past the past. (15) And judging by the past, I wish to know what in that location has been in the conduct of the British ministry building for the concluding 10 years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? (16) Is information technology that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? (17) Trust it non, sir; it will prove a snare to your anxiety. (18) Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. (19) Enquire yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these state of war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. (20) Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of beloved and reconciliation? (21) Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to exist reconciled, that force must be chosen in to win back our beloved? (22) Let u.s.a. not deceive ourselves, sir. (23) These are the implements of war and subjugation; the concluding arguments to which kings resort. (24) I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be non to force u.s.a. to submission? (25) Can gentlemen assign whatever other possible motive for it? (26) Has United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? (27) No, sir, she has none. (28) They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. (29) They are sent over to demark and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry has been and so long forging. (30) And what take nosotros to oppose to them? (31) Shall nosotros try argument? (32) Sir, we have been trying that for the terminal ten years. (33) Take we anything new to offer upon the subject area? (34) Nothing. (35) We have held the subject area up in every lite of which information technology is capable; but it has been all in vain. (36) Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? (37) What terms shall we find which accept not been already exhausted? (38) Let u.s. not, I beseech yous, sir, deceive ourselves. (39) Sir, we take done everything that could be washed, to avert the storm which is now coming on. (40) We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we accept supplicated; we take prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to abort the tyrannical hands of the ministry building and Parliament. (41) Our petitions take been slighted; our remonstrances accept produced boosted violence and insult; our supplications take been disregarded; and we accept been spurned, with antipathy, from the foot of the throne. (42) In vain, after these things, may nosotros indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. (43) There is no longer whatsoever room for hope. (44) If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those costive privileges for which we take been so long contending, if we hateful not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we accept been so long engaged, and which we take pledged ourselves never to carelessness until the glorious object of our competition shall be obtained, we must fight! (45) I repeat it, sir, we must fight! (46) An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

Patrick Henry's "Treason" speech earlier the House of Burgesses on May 30, 1765.

Paragraph iv: Refutatio

Close Reading Questions

29. The refutatio presents and refutes counter arguments. In paragraph 4 Henry uses procatalepsis, an argumentative strategy that anticipates an objection and then answers it. What argument does he anticipate and what two rhetorical strategies does he employ to abnegate it?
He anticipates the argument that the Colonies are too weak to fight. He answers information technology through tonal shifts and appeals.

xxx. Henry shifts tone in the outset of this paragraph to irony, the use of linguistic communication that conveys the opposite of the intended meaning. How does he convey a ironic tone? Cite testify from the text.
He uses ironic rhetorical questions — questions that convey the reverse of what he attempts to argue. Examples include "Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British baby-sit shall exist stationed in every firm" and the two questions that follow it (sentences l, 51, and 52).

31. How does Henry shift from a ironic tone back to his urgent argument? Cite evidence from the text.
He inserts appeals to ethos, logos, and desolation. He appeals to ethos in sentence 53 by saying "we are not weak if nosotros brand a proper employ of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power." In sentence 54 he appeals to Logos and desolation past citing "3 millions of people (logos) armed in the holy cause of liberty (pathos), and in such a country every bit that which we possess (desolation, patriotism)."

32. In sentence 58, what does Henry mean past "nosotros have no election"?
He ways there is no pick but to fight.

33. Most of the British military activity to this signal had occurred in and around Boston. How does Henry attempt to connect the fate of Virginia to that of Boston, and why would he wish to make this connection?
He uses the possessive pronoun "our" when discussing the chains, fifty-fifty though the clanking is heard is Boston. This addresses i of the objections made past southern colonies to taking upwards arms confronting the British — that the "trouble" was centered in Massachusetts, not Virginia.

34. Asyndeton is a serial of phrases or words with conjunctions deleted. Discover an example of asyndeton in this paragraph. What is its purpose?
An example is in judgement 57, "the vigilant, the active, the brave." Henry uses this to emphasize the positive qualities of those who volition take upwards the boxing.

35. Find an instance of Henry's return to an image of slavery at the finish of this paragraph. What is the purpose of returning to this metaphor yet over again?
In sentences 61 and 62 he states, "Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!" He challenges his audience with the fact that they are already enslaved and implies that they must themselves remove the chains. His utilize of pronouns reinforces the idea that the chains heard in Boston are also the chains of Virginians. (The mention of Boston most probably refers to the Intolerable Acts and their enforcement.)

(47) They tell u.s.a., sir, that nosotros are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. (48) But when shall we be stronger? (49) Will information technology exist the adjacent calendar week, or the next year? (50) Will information technology exist when nosotros are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall exist stationed in every house? (51) Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? (52) Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? (53) Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. (54) Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a state as that which nosotros possess, are invincible by whatsoever force which our enemy can ship against united states of america. (55) Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. (56) There is a but God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who volition raise upwardly friends to fight our battles for u.s.a.. (57) The battle, sir, is not to the strong lonely; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. (58) Likewise, sir, we have no election. (59) If we were base enough to desire it, information technology is now too late to retire from the contest. (sixty) There is no retreat only in submission and slavery! (61) Our chains are forged! (62) Their clanking may exist heard on the plains of Boston! (63) The state of war is inevitable and let it come! (64) I repeat information technology, sir, allow information technology come.

Paragraph 5: Peroratio

Close Reading Questions

36. The Peroratio, or conclusion, has several purposes, including: to restate an argument, to dilate reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses. Cite an case from the text of each of these four purposes.

• To restate: "Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace." (sentence 66)
• To dilate: "the state of war is actually begun" (judgement 67)
• To rouse: "Why stand we here idle?" (sentence 70)
• To inspire: "Give me liberty or give me expiry" (sentence 75)

37. What prototype does Henry utilise to convey that the boxing has already begun?
He states in judgement 68, "the next gale… will bring to our ears the disharmonism of resounding artillery."

38. In sentences 70 through 73, Henry uses a series of questions which directly claiming his fellow delegates. What is his purpose in asking these questions?
He wishes to inspire his colleagues to artillery, in order to avoid the "chains and slavery."

39. In judgement 75, probably the most famous sentence from this speech, Henry uses antonym to set up a clear contrast. What does he contrast? What is the event of this contrast?
He contrasts liberty and expiry, concluding that without liberty death is preferable.

twoscore. Sententia, especially useful in speeches, is an argumentative device that uses audio to sum up an argument. What is the sententia in this speech?
"Give me freedom or requite me death!"

41. How does Henry's final argument, "Requite me liberty or give me death" correspond the courage of both Henry and his audience?
Henry states that he is willing to suffer a traitor's death rather than exist denied liberty. This was an either/or choice with goose egg in between, and a traitor'southward death was quite probable if the patriot efforts failed. This indicates the backbone that Henry displays by making the spoken communication and past implication he recognizes the courage that will be necessary for his fellow delegates to accept activeness.

(65) It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the affair. (66) Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but in that location is no peace. (67) The war is really begun! (68) The side by side gale that sweeps from the northward volition bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! (69) Our brethren are already in the field! (lxx) Why stand nosotros here idle? (71) What is it that gentlemen wish? (72) What would they have? (73) Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? (74) Forbid information technology, Almighty God! (75) I know not what form others may have; but every bit for me, requite me liberty or give me death!

Follow-Up Assignment

How might the format of the Henry speech apply to current events, especially in countries and regions of political unrest? If in that location had been social media in 1775 would this speech have been interpreted differently? Investigate the role of social media in the Arab Spring (2012) or other current events as directed past your teacher and and then rewrite this speech communication for a social media platform. Share your results with your form.

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Vocabulary Pop-Ups

• entertaining: thinking
• moment: importance
• magnitude: greatness
• revere: highly respect
• indulge: yield to want
• arduous: very difficult
• temporal: worldly
• ache: great distress
• solace: condolement
• insidious: deceitful
• snare: trap
• petition: formal request
• comports: agrees with
• implements: tools
• subjugation: enslavement
• martial array: warlike brandish

• rivet: fasten firmly
• entreaty: earnest request
• supplication: meek request
• beseech: to appeal urgently
• avert: prevent
• remonstrated: forcefully protested
• prostrated: totally submitted
• implored: begged desperately
• interposition: influence
• tyrannical: unjustly cruel
• slighted: ignored
• spurned: rejected
• in vain: without result
• inviolate: undisturbed
• inestimable: priceless
• contending: competing

• basely: dishonorably
• formidable: powerful
• antagonist: enemy
• irresolution: indecision
• effectual: effective
• supinely: passively
• delusive: misleading
• phantom: ghost
• invincible: cannot be defeated
• vigilant: always alert
• election: selection
• forged: made
• extenuate: stretch out
• gale: strong air current
• resounding: echoing loudly
• brethren: brothers

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Text:

• Patrick Henry, speech communication to the Virginia Convention, 1775. http://avalon.police.yale.edu/18th_century/patrick.asp

Images:

• George Matthews, "Patrick Henry, half-length portrait." Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/det.4a26383/ [accessed August 2015]
• "Patrick Henry on the George Washington equestrian statue at Capitol Square, Richmond, Virginia." http://www.richmond.com/image_d0936222-3d78-11e2-9cd8-001a4bcf6878.html [accessed September 2015]
• "Saint John'southward Church, Richmond, Virginia, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech." Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.34917/ [accessed August 2015]
• Peter F. Rothermel, "Patrick Henry'southward 'Treason' speech communication before the House of Burgesses," 1851. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Henry#/media/File:Patrick_Henry_Rothermel.jpg [accessed August 2015]
• "'Give me liberty, or give me death!' Patrick Henry delivering his great speech on the rights of the colonies, before the Virginia Assembly, convened at Richmond, March 23rd 1775, concluding with the in a higher place sentiment, which became the state of war cry of the revolution." Lithograph. New York: Published by Currier & Ives, c1876. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b50326/ [accessed September 2015]

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Source: https://americainclass.org/patrick-henry-give-me-liberty/

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