Patrick Henry
Henry seldom wrote out his speeches Spoke impromptu with emotions of moment Reconstructed speeches from notes & memory – unsure of exact content
Background Raised in a cultivated family Studied Latin Married at 18 – became a farmer By age 23 became lawyer to escape debts - won most of his cases
Political Career Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses at age 30 Outspoken orator for Revolutionary War – 2 fiery speeches 1. Opposition to Stamp Act – treason! 2. Resistance to England “Give me liberty or give me death” – Labeled as traitor
Career Cont. Elected governor of Virginia – 5 yrs Helped author Virginia constitution Led movement to create Bill of Rights due to opposition to the Constitution.
Political leanings He felt the Constitution gave the federal government too much power. He became more conservative with age.
Oratory example: The president’s speech from Independence Day
Charged Words Charged words are words with strong connotations beyond their literal meaning that are likely to produce an emotional response. Tyranny (evokes a feeling of fear, suggests living in a state of terror) Liberty (suggests an ideal life characterized by freedom) Justice (can be associated with freedom and equality) Honor (evokes a sense of morality and dignity)
Oratory A form of public speaking Contents of speech for emphasis include: Charged words Allusion Rhetorical questions Repetition Restatement Parallelism Exclamation
Allusion Allusions are an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
Rhetorical question Rhetorical question/questions are the questions the speaker asks the audience. However, the audience internalizes the answer. Nothing is answered orally.
Repetition Repetition is repeating the exact same words over again.
Restatement Restatement is stating the same idea in different words
Parallelism Parallelism 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.
Understanding Parallelism Faulty 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 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.
Exclamation Also used in some speeches is the use of the exclamation (or highly emotional or provocative statements)
“I have a dream”
Listen and follow along “Speech in the Virginia Convention” by Patrick Henry (p. 262-267)
Partner or alone Read again w/ WS
Hollywood’s interpretation Taken from the 22 minute short film from 1936 "Give Me Liberty" which starred John Litel as Patrick Henry
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