“ Speech at the Virginia Convention” by Patrick Henry Annotating: Rhetorical Devices, Metaphor, Relevant Information & Vocabulary

Paragraph 1: Patrick Henry emphasizes that he is patriotic towards Britain, but explains that he also has a different view on how to handle conflict with them. He does not discredit other viewpoints but he attempts to show a different one, his. He references the Bible and using the word “light” to show his view and that is aligned to God’s purpose. He is building “ethos” by expressing his religious passion. The motif of light is used to show he is fighting for God’s truth.

Paragraph 2: He discusses the illusion of hope. He tries to act as the teacher of the truth and a bearer of bad news. He acknowledges that man hopes for freedom without fighting but refutes this idea. This is shown through the use of “illusion” proving that it cannot be a reality. This “fake hope” is common among humans. The false hope the British give dehumanizes the colonists causing an array of emotions ranging from anger, sadness, fears – playing on pathos.

Paragraph 3: He attempts to give evidence for why this argument is noteworthy. He wants to build ethos to make his argument seem valid and trustworthy by the other members of the Virginia Convention. The phrase about the lamp refers to a Biblical verse. Building this into his speech portrays him as a spiritual person. He says that their demands have been met with an “insidious smile.” It implies that the British are misleading and deceptive.

Paragraph 3 Vocab: Solace: Insidious: Petition: Snare:

Paragraph 4: He is appealing to the emotions of his audience. He wants to incite fear and rage in his listeners. He emphasizes the intense military procedures the British are taking and he answers his own rhetorical questions which seem to really have no answer. He explains the hostile attitude the British have towards the colonies, and shows the preparations being made for war.

Paragraph 4 Vocab: Gracious: Comports: Fleets: Reconciliation: Implements: Subjugation: Martial: Submission: Accumulation: Bind: Rivet: Forging:

Paragraph 5: Henry responds to the opposing argument, giving reasons to refute it. Many other members of the convention want to remain humble and respectful towards Britain and negotiate a treaty. He discredits this approach by saying that all of these strategies had been attempted in the past. He lists rhetorical questions and answers them, an appeal to ethos. After each question he gives the audience time to formulate an answer and then automatically refutes it with abrupt, declarative answers, disproving counter arguments.

Paragraph 5 Vocab. Oppose: Capable: Entreaty: Humble: Supplication: Beseech:

Paragraph 6: Henry discusses the actions the colonies have taken in the past, explaining that they have exploited every opportunity to mediate the conflict, and preparing for war is the only remaining option. The actions become more desperate as this paragraph progresses. He makes the colonies seem vulnerable, evoking fear and sadness in the audience (an appeal to pathos).

Paragraph 6 Vocab: Petitioned: Remonstrated: Supplicated: Prostrated: Implored: Interposition: Tyrannical: Spurned: Contempt: Indulge: Fond:

Paragraph 7: After listing all of the failed solutions, he then begins to propose ideas that, in his opinion, could solve the conflict with Britain. He describes potential outcomes ending in a call to action. The tone is of urgency and a need for fighting.

Paragraph 7 Vocab: Preserve: Inviolate: Inestimable: Contending: Basely: Abandon: Contest: Obtained:

Paragraph 8: He incites anger inside the colonists, playing on pathos. He tells them that others view them as weak. He attempts to call them into action, and to ignite his own ideas within the audience on what they should do. He starts with an opposing viewpoint and explains that if they wait around to become stronger, only negative outcomes will happen. He evokes fear in the audience through his description of “a british guard stationed in every house.”

Paragraph 8 Vocab: Formidable: Adversary: Irresolution: Inaction: Effectual: Supinely: Phantom:

Paragraph 9: He begins describing how powerful and great the army of the colonies could be if they attempted this war. He asks the audience to consider this and imagine the situation. He describes them as an army fulfilling the will of God, thus making the cause of war seem like the obvious decision. He says the colonies would become prisoners under the control of the British (a metaphor).

Paragraph 9 Vocab: Hath: Invincible: Vigilant: Election: Base: Retreat: Forged: Inevitable:

Paragraph 10: Henry ends his opposing argument and says “Peace, peace,” but then refutes it by saying “there is no peace.” He emphasizes that one last time the war is a reality and that action needs to be taken. He metaphorically compares the advancement of the British military to a gale or gust of wind. He emphasizes that a storm cannot be stopped by humans, and the British cannot be stopped by just human strength. He ties his main ideas together by saying it is a necessity of receiving assistance from God and working together to stop this evil.

Paragraph 10 Vocab: Extenuate: Gale: Brethren: