1. Patrick Henry’s Speech to the Virginia Convention

2. 1. Why does Henry begin his speech with the statement, “Mr
1. Why does Henry begin his speech with the statement, “Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights…”
Henry is defending his position as a patriot just as the speakers who hold the opposing viewpoint of his call themselves patriots.
He demonstrates respect for his opponents, while preparing to advance his counter-argument.
He concedes that patriotism is important, but refutes the idea that only traitors would fight the British.

3. While they are both kings, he raises God over an earthly king.
What is the appeal created by juxtaposing God as the Majesty of Heaven with earthly kings? What is the effect of using the word majesty for God and king for King George III?
Henry creates an appeal to ethos by placing God above King George III. He shows the parallel by calling God the majesty of Heaven just as King George III is the king of England.
While they are both kings, he raises God over an earthly king.
The word “majesty” connotes the splendor of high character, while “king” denotes position of authority only.

4. How does Henry use concession and refutation in paragraph 2
How does Henry use concession and refutation in paragraph 2? Explain each.
Henry concedes that it is natural that man hopes for freedom without fighting.
His refutation comes with the use of the word illusions.
He saying that freedom without fighting is only an illusion, which cannot be a reality.

5. Identify and explain the allusions Henry uses to advance his argument in paragraph 2.
Mythical Allusion to Homer’s Odyssey
Circe transformed men into pigs after charming them with her singing.
This compares to the British saying things to the colonists which are the promising of false hopes.
Biblical Allusion to Ezekiel 12:2
Those who can’t see and can’t hear the truth about God will lose their spiritual salvation.
Colonists who cannot see or hear the truth about what the British are doing will lose their freedom.

6. Discuss how Henry creates an appeal to pathos in paragraph 3.
When Henry says that the colonists’ petition have been met with an “insidious smile”, he creates an appeal to pathos, because it implies that the British are fooling the colonists into believing that they will act on petitions in a positive manner.
He calls the British response a “snare”, which creates the image of a trap.
He uses a Biblical allusion to Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus.
He also creates a sense of fear by referring to Britain’s “warlike preparations” using dark imagery.

7. This is meant to create a sense of fear in the colonists’ minds.
How does Henry use rhetorical questions and parallelism in paragraph 4 to advance his argument?
Henry uses a series of rhetorical questions followed by a declarative sentence that answers the question.
The rhetorical effect is that he emphasizes the military procedures which the British are taking.
This is meant to create a sense of fear in the colonists’ minds.

8. Henry begins with the opposing argument that the colonists are weak.
What opposing argument does Henry begin with in paragraph 5? How does he concede to it? How does he refute it? What rhetorical devices and strategies does he use in the presentation of these arguments?
Henry begins with the opposing argument that the colonists are weak.
He asks “But when shall we be stronger?” and creates fearful images of increased British aggression that will prevent any opposition if the colonists are not prepared to fight.
He continues to cite God’s power as justification to seek their own liberty.
He emphasizes an urgent call to arms.

9. How does Henry use metaphor in paragraph 6 to complete his argument?
Henry describes the advancement of the British military as a “gale” which will “sweep from the north”.
The metaphor is that of a storm that cannot be stopped.
He continues the motif of slavery as he calls the British rule “chains and slavery.”