What was the speech in the Virginia Convention about?
Patrick Henry used his speech to the Virginia Convention to argue that the colonies should go to war with Britain if they truly wanted an end to the oppressive policies of King George III.
What is Henry’s main purpose in making this speech?
The speech’s main purpose is to persuade people to fight for their freedom. Patrick Henry’s speech is truly meant to persuade the Virginia Convention to prepare for war if the British government fails to comply to the needs of the convention.
What is the tone of Henry’s speech?
Patrick Henry’s tone is persuasive because he tells the attendees of the convention that they have done all that they can without having to fight to fix it: “Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on” (4).
What is the main rhetorical device Henry uses in this paragraph?
Patrick Henry uses pathos, his audience’s sense of patriotism, and ethos, calling Britain and its king a tyrant, in his speech to arouse support for the efforts of the patriots in breaking away from Great Britain.
What was Patrick Henry’s full speech?
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry signaled the coming revolution when he spoke at a Virginia convention and allegedly implored: “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
Why was the speech in the Virginia Convention written?
Henry spoke to the second Virginia convention in March 1775, to discuss the events in Philadelphia and the need to form armed militias in Virginia in case British troops attempted to control the area.
Why was Patrick Henry’s speech so effective?
Historians say that Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech helped convince those in attendance to begin preparing Virginia troops for war against Great Britain. Royal Governor Lord Dunmore responded to the speech by removing gunpowder from the magazine.
Who do you think Henry is addressing when making his speech?
Peyton Randolph of
On the 23rd, Henry presented a proposal to organize a volunteer company of cavalry or infantry in every Virginia county. By custom, Henry addressed himself to the Convention’s president, Peyton Randolph of Williamsburg.
Why does Henry shift his tone from the beginning of his speech to the end?
He is presenting his opinion but at the same time respecting the speakers before him. Henry uses this transition to shift the perspective from what has been heard to the ideas that he feels need to be discussed.
How would you describe Henry’s tone throughout the speech?
Henry also uses a persuasive tone to help accomplish his purpose. Patrick Henry’s tone is persuasive because he tells the attendees of the convention that they have done all that they can without having to fight to fix it: “Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on” (4).
What metaphors does Patrick Henry use in his speech to the Virginia Convention?
Metaphors are another key aspect of Henry’s speech. “Our chains are forged! Clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston” is used as an extended metaphor, and the imagery of chains and slavery becomes a recurring theme throughout the…show more content…