1. Speech in the Virginia Convention
by Patrick Henry
March 23, 1775

2. Background Information
The 13 colonies (not yet America) were occupied by British troops who just defeated the French and Native Americans.
Naturally, the British troops were not liked by those they defeated--the colonists.
Delegates (representatives) of the 13 colonies began to organize themselves and prepare for a feared British attack.
Politician and eventual governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry spoke to the president of the Virginia Convention to persuade them that the colonies need to fight back against British rule.

3. Henry and the Art of Persuasion
Rhetorical appeals review:
Ethos:
an appeal to the author’s credibility
Pathos:
an appeal to the audience’s emotions
Logos:
an appeal to the information -- logic and facts

4. Rhetorical Questions
A rhetorical question is a question to which no answer is expected because the answer is obvious.
It is used to:
emphasize a point
create an emotional effect
Example:
Henry asks, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?”
What is the implied (or expected) answer?
NO!
If rhetorical questions often appeal to emotions, which of Aristotle’s appeals is employed?
pathos

5. Allusions
Orators and authors may also use literary allusions in an attempt to sway their audience
A literary allusion is a figure of speech that refers to a well-known story, event, person, or object in order to make a comparison in the readers' minds.
Why would an author or orator do this?
To boost their own credibility by referencing another person who is an authority on a particular subject
To use a story/tale that will evoke an emotional response in the reader

6. Begin reading Patrick Henry’s speech
Begin reading Patrick Henry’s speech. I will read the first paragraph with you, then you will need to complete it on your own.
Once you are done, answer the questions that follow the speech with your NEW group. Discuss the questions and your thoughts, but each student must submit their own work.
DUE BLOCK 1
Speech on the Virginia Convention by Patrick Henry

7. Examples of WHAT?
“I consider it nothing less than freedom or slavery.”
“No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities of the very worth gentlemen who have just addressed the House.”