RHETORICAL ANALYSIS of an ARGUMENT Patrick Henry Speech RHETORICAL ANALYSIS of an ARGUMENT

Read the following speech (critically) delivered by Patrick Henry at the Virginia Convention in 1775. Then write a well-organized essay in which you discuss the rhetorical strategies Henry employs to achieve his purpose for addressing those in attendance. Consider such strategies as: organization, diction, syntax, and figurative language.

What is Henry’s PURPOSE? BIG QUESTION LITTLE QUESTION What is Henry’s PURPOSE? Criticize leaders for ignoring the reality of their situation Suggest that their past methods of diplomacy are ineffective Implore his audience to take up arms and fight for freedom Challenge the notion that the British still wish to negotiate What are the strategies he uses to address his purpose? Henry employs… Organization Diction Syntax Figurative language

Writing your thesis statement for the entire essay

Consider the following template: In his speech at the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry [verb +] _________________________ [identify purpose] by/through____________ ____________________________________ _______ [specific reference to his rhetorical strategies].

How about this thesis statement? In his speech at the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry uses diction, organization, and figurative language to achieve his purpose.

Or this one? In his speech at the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry argues that it is time for Americans to fight for their freedom.

Or this one? In his speech at the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry uses diction, organization, and figurative language to argue that it is time for Americans to fight for their freedom.

How about this one? In his speech at the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry argues that Americans have no choice but to take up arms against the British by reminding the country’s leaders of their failed attempts at securing peace and liberty in the past and by confronting them with their current position of danger in the face of the inevitable British invasion.

At your table work together and write a thesis statement for this writing. In his speech at the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry [verb +] _____________________ ___ [identify purpose] by/ through ____ _________________________________ ____ [specific reference to his rhetorical strategies]. (2 by/through clauses)

Introduction Write an introductory paragraph that is interesting and that includes: Simple hook (short but broad sentence). Ex: “Denial of the past is self-destructive” Brief context (SOAPS) Thesis Statement Your 2-3 clauses in thesis are the topics of your body paragraphs.

Using quotations . . . Quotations should not be longer than 6-8 words. Quotations do not speak for themselves, but must be framed with an introduction (top layer of sandwich) and explanation for quotation (the bottom layer of sandwich) No QUOTE BOMBS Give context before quote: Henry shows his dedication to revolution with his lack of education when he exclaims, “give me liberty or give me death!”

Would this be a good use of quotations? Patrick Henry reveals to his audience that they are placing their hopes on an illusion of goodwill by the British. “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.” This quote shows that they have failed in their attempts at securing peace and liberty.

How about this one? Henry reveals to his audience that they are placing their hopes on an illusion of goodwill falsely communicated by the British. He alludes to the “song of that siren,” a reference to the irresistible, but daunting creatures in The Odyssey with the ability to “transform [men] into beasts,” in order to characterize the British promises as ultimately dangerous to American freedom. Through this reference, the reader connects the former promises of liberty made by the British diplomats to the alluring but lethal siren’s song and can more fully understand Henry’s purpose to reveal to his audience that in the past they have either been blind or have ignored the truth that the British ministry does not have American interests at heart.

Conclusions should… Revisit the BIG question [the purpose part of your Thesis Statement]. Provide universal insight [one great sentence]. Why is this topic important Patrick Henry argues that Americans have no choice but to take up arms against the British by… *argues is from the Yellow Pages

Is this a good conclusion? Patrick Henry argues that Americans have no choice but to take up arms against the British. He does this by using patterns of diction and allusions. Hopefully America will find someone like him to get America going again today.

How about this one? America had no choice but to take up arms against the British. By allusions to Greek mythology and the Bible, by patterns of diction reflecting the motifs of lost hope and pending slavery, Henry skillfully employs rhetorical strategies that inspire the colonists to action. Henry ends with the plaintive cry to “Give me liberty or give me death” – a cry that has echoed through the Civil War, world wars, and wherever the hearts of men yearn to be free.

Write your thesis statement at the top of the page Write your thesis statement at the top of the page. Underline it in PINK. Write a topic sentence for a body paragraph using one of the purpose statements. Underline the topic sentence in PINK. Write two D2M “quotation sandwiches”. Connect these with a meaningful transition. Underline references to strategies in BLUE. Underline references to text in GREEN. Underline the explanation in YELLOW. Write a concluding statement referring back to the topic sentence. Underline you concluding statement in PINK.

Revision Before working with your partners Underline the Thesis Statement. Highlight the Topic Sentence of each Body Paragraph in PINK. Underline references to rhetorical strategies in BLUE. Underline references to text (quotes or implied references) in GREEN. Underline the analysis/explanation of references in YELLOW. Highlight any other transition statements within paragraphs in PINK.

BE NICE! Revision TRADE ESSAYS Read and Score 1-9. Justify USING LANGUAGE OF THE SCORING GUIDE IDENTIFY 2 strengths and 1 weakness in partner’s essay Strengths: MARK strong word choice MARK interesting insight Weaknesses MARK confusing sentences MARK weak word choice REVISION IS NOT EDITING: Worry about content of analysis first! BE NICE!