What purpose does Henry establish, and to what is he appealing in order to emphasize this purpose? Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses (1851), Peter F. Rothermel. In this antithesis, Henry is putting forward two radically distinct visions of America's future before his listeners and demanding that they choose between them. Hypophora is a special type of rhetorical question whereby a question is asked and then answered by the speaker (as opposed to a typical rhetorical question, which is either not answered or has a yes/no answer). In addition, Henry is hoping to imply that since he is also a member of the Convention that they will give him and his ideas the same respect. ", "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Cite an example from the text of each of these four purposes. (38) Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. (8) Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. Most of the British military action to this point had occurred in and around Boston. For an electronic version of Wirts book, visit this link: Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry. 0000007399 00000 n antithesis example Judging the future by the past; freedom or slavery metaphor - A figure of speech that uses one thing to mean another and makes a comparison between the two. "The sunlight that brought light and healing to you has brought stripes and death to me. Juxtaposition means to put two elements side by side, often for comparison. (7) Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. It attempts to win over listeners on the basis of the trustworthiness of the speaker. Most of the British military action to this point had occurred in and around Boston. The above quote is from Alexander Pope. He uses this to highlight the fact that the people should trust him and his words. The major premise [A] is we must either fight or talk to achieve results, the minor premise [B] is talking does not achieve results, and the conclusion is since talking does not achieve results we must fight. (37) What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? An example is in sentence 57, the vigilant, the active, the brave. Henry uses this to emphasize the positive qualities of those who will take up the battle. It's really an incredibly powerful rhetorical tool when used in this way. One example of emotional appeal is when Henry says "Our chains are forged". Allusions, unexplained references to other sources, are commonly based upon the Bible or mythology. Asyndeton is a series of phrases or words with conjunctions deleted. There is no longer any middle position that can be adopted; there are only two choices: liberty or death. Consider petition (to bring written grievances) versus remonstrate (to forcefully protest) versus supplicate (to beg earnestly or humbly) versus prostrate (to totally submit) versus implore (to beg desperately). He recognizes and compliments the patriotism and abilities of the other members of the Convention in his first sentence (note that Henry continues to address the body as the House). To see how big of a difference parallelism plays, lets take a look at an example that doesnt use parallel structures. Box 12256 | Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, Phone: (919) 549-0661 | Fax: (919) 990-8535 | nationalhumanitiescenter.org. Why does Henry use the term gentlemen twice in the first two sentences? People were interested in and aimed for liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity . In sentence 58, what does Henry mean by "we have no election"? Both parts of the quote are of equal length, use about the same number of words, and contain the same parts of speech. 16. How does the ethical appeal in sentence 7 relate to the ethical appeal in sentence 1? As you analyze the individual parts of the speech, look also for how these parts of the argument work together. In sentence 3 what does Henry mean when he says, this is no time for ceremony? Henry cautions his audience that the hopes of the past may have been used to comfort the Convention, but such comfort is an illusion and will not last. He connects this with the biblical verse because it shows that he knows what he is doing, and how it will guide him along the path. 7. His use of pronouns reinforces the idea that the chains heard in Boston are also the chains of Virginians. For instance, you can say that the antithesis of love isnt hate; its indifference.. Henry uses the term "ceremony" to stress the importance of not trying to just placate the situation, but deal with the truth. Henry uses this transition to shift the perspective from what has been heard to the ideas that he feels need to be discussed. -To rouse: "Why stand we here idle?" 36. In reality the sirens were ugly beasts, that killed the men as soon as they approached and ate them. In the Text Analysis section, Tier 2 vocabulary words are defined in pop-ups, and Tier 3 words are explained in brackets. In the second paragraph Henry spoke of the "illusions of hope." (18) Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. For example, we describe zombies as the living dead, which illustrates their contradictory nature. Why does Henry use the term "gentlemen" twice in the first two sentences? This shows that their chains are meant for only the Americans to be chained and that the "war is inevitable". Its me, Marcel. The two clauses of the sentence are parallel because each starts off with an infinitive verb and ends with an adjective ("human" and "divine"). He makes it sound like the colonists really only have a choice between liberty and death, so which will they choose? The use of rhetorical analysis is very useful to make works appealing and contribute effectively to the author's purpose. 21. Because Henry sees the options as slavery (in submitting to Britain) or freedom (in successfully asserting independence), and because Henry refuses to accept this kind of "slavery," the only options left were liberty and death. To see how those effects work, consider these uses of antithesis in famous speeches: "We must all learn tolive togetherasbrothersor we will allperish togetherasfools. Each month, our Buckley School resident students of classical rhetoric explain a rhetorical device that can improve your public speaking. This allusion contributes to Henry's argument by drawing parallels between hope and the sirens, implying that hope is tempting to fall into, but is detrimental in the long run. This is a persuasive speech, one intended not only to present an argument but also to persuade the audience to act. 41. (22) Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. The first paragraph of classical argument, the exordium, seeks to engage the audience and prepare them to hear the speakers message. Antithesis means to put two ideas together in order to contrast them, pointing out their differences. Henry begins the second sentence with "but" to show he is continuing his previous thought. Consider sentence 40, especially the verbs. In this paragraph Henry uses emotional appeals, language intended to create an emotional response from the audience. His purpose of including it is that people will understand what the phrase is. Or to take arms against a sea of trouble. Formez la question que Caroline pose. It combines the written word with music and has a unique ability to capture our imagination like no other medium. Antithesis comes from the Greek antithenai, which means to oppose. Henry reminds his audience that the Colonies have been trying to negotiate for ten years without results. There is a sense of intimacy, an opportunity to dive into another persons soul and watch the gears of their mind twist and turn. (33) Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Henry uses this allusion in where the colonies are Christ, and the British ministry is the equivalent of Judas. (63) The war is inevitable and let it come! 5. However, in my humble opinion, the line doesnt pop. Tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament (sentence 40) is synecdoche, representing the British government. So, the bottom line is if you want to use antithesis, then try to use parallelism as well. Complete the sentence in a way that shows you understand the meaning of the italicized vocabulary word. Such an argument is called an "ethical appeal." Henry again makes a Biblical allusion in sentence 18, "Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss." The refutatio presents and refutes counter arguments. What is the effect of this contrast? Then, in sentence seven, he introduces his own ethics and how he must be loyal to his country and to God. In 1775, Patrick Henry made his speech to an audience of Virginia legislators to convince them that Virginia should join the War of Independence. 37. Choose three examples of emotional language from excerpt 3. His argument in this paragraph is that the British Ministry had proved themselves to be untrustworthy, and action should be taken. His recommendations were accepted by the Convention. He appeals to ethos in sentence 53 by saying we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. In sentence 54 he appeals to Logos and pathos by citing three millions of people (logos) armed in the holy cause of liberty (pathos), and in such a country as that which we possess (pathos, patriotism).. Perhaps one of the most famous examples of antithesis is Patrick Henry's final line of his speech: "Give me liberty or give me death!" He responds with rhetorical questions. He clearly indicates that he chooses the second option. You can find it on YouTube. -To amplify: "the war is actually begun" (sentence 67) The two contrasting ideas are small step for man and giant leap for mankind.. How does it leave such an effect on the listener? Log in here. Why does he make this connection? %%EOF 2. 0000000016 00000 n What is the effect of this contrast? trailer Patrick Henry, former governor of Virginia, bravely spoke on the 23rd of March, 1775, at St. John's Church, introducing his strategies to end the American Revolution in victory. (65) It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. 32. Identify and discuss three main points Henry uses . What is the if then statement in this paragraph? "We have no election" (Par. and other greats haveemployedin public speaking. 4) means we have no choice on who rules us. MR. What was the purpose of the "Speech to the Virginia Convention"? Anaphora the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses Allusion A reference to another work of literature, person, or event allusion example Posted on Published: March 14, 2021- Last updated: September 18, 2022. In 1776 and 1784 he became the first and the sixth governor of Virginia. All rights reserved. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. (sentences 26 and 27). Cite evidence from the text. (26) Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? The students version, an interactive PDF, contains all of the aboveexceptthe responses to the close reading questions and the follow-up assignment. He is recognizing the treasonable nature of this discussion, displaying not only his own courage but asking his fellow delegates to show courage as well. Why does he use the term "ceremony"? In paragraph 4 Henry uses procatalepsis, an argumentative strategy that anticipates an objection and then answers it. Minor premise [B]: Talking does not achieve results. First of all, antithesis uses more than a single word. Metonomy and synecdoche are special types of metaphors. In sentences 70 through 73, Henry uses a series of questions which directly challenge his fellow delegates. What does "solace" mean? How does Henry attempt to connect the fate of Virginia to that of Boston, and why would he wish to make this connection? Red Hill, The Patrick Henry National Memorial, Brookneal, Virginia. Sententia, especially useful in speeches, is an argumentative device that uses sound to sum up an argument. Those who can, do; those who can't do, teach. Henry uses multiple biblical allusions with which his educated audience would be familiar. A final example is when Henry says "if we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending". To really get a feel for antithesis and to see how common it is in everyday life, here are a few common sayings and expressions that rely on this literary device. He explains how the people must fight for hope and independence. Consider "petition" (to bring written grievances) versus "remonstrate" (to forcefully protest) versus "supplicate" (to beg earnestly or humbly) versus "prostrate" (to totally submit) versus "implore" (to beg desperately). Perhaps one of the most famous examples of antithesis is Patrick Henry's final line of his speech: "Give me liberty or give me death!" Such a statement implies that there is no middle. 3. He means that the question under discussion is extremely important with potentially life-changing consequences. repetition like: we must fight! Instead of relying on the British to protect their liberties, the Americans must be prepared to fight for themto the death, if necessary. (46) An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us! In asking these questions Henry's purpose is to encourage the listener and emphasize his point. In sentence 75, probably the most famous sentence from this speech, Henry uses antithesis to set up a clear contrast. The purpose of the debate, of which this speech is a part, is to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country (sentence 6). Even though I am taking just a small step here on the moon, the mere fact that I am on the moon is an indication of how far we have come as a species. (20) Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? The American Colonies were attempting to negotiate with British in 1775, and many of Henrys fellow delegates wanted to wait until these negotiations were completed before taking action. To Henry, a life of slavery is not a life at all and hence not worth living "Is life so dear, or peace so dear as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? (21) Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? (68) The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Henry used not only rhetorical devices but also the strategies of classical argument, making a potentially confusing situation simple and straightforward as he attempted to move all his fellow delegates toward the same result. For example, we describe zombies as the "living dead," which illustrates their contradictory nature. Rhetorical parenthesis is the insertion into a sentence of an explanatory word or phrase. In an environment of digital media and world-wide instant communication, students may wonder how Henrys words were preserved. Henry is saying that the British are clearly preparing for war, no matter what they may protest to the contrary, and therefore, the colonists need to be prepared as well. Each paragraph is accompanied by a number of close reading questions designed to invite student analysis in four major areas: classical argument structure, diction and syntax, rhetorical strategies, and argumentative appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos). Consider sentence 40, especially the verbs. (44) If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending, if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! Alexander Drive, P.O. (15) And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? This is intended to arouse the audience by saying that they will be enslaved. The Convention members consider themselves to be men of integrity and ethics, as Henry acknowledged in sentence 1. How does Henrys final statement, Give me liberty or give me death represent the courage of both Henry and his audience? In sentence 54 he appeals to Logos and pathos by citing "three millions of people (logos) armed in the holy cause of liberty (pathos), and in such a country as that which we possess (pathos, patriotism).". (42) In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. How does Henry shift from a ironic tone back to his urgent argument? 9. A hypophora is useful to present to an audience issues they may not have considered in depth. On the other hand, they are alive in every sense of the word. Latest answer posted May 29, 2017 at 3:40:17 AM. Henry believes that the situation is critical enough that any choices in between freedom and slavery are meaningless and the actions taken must be extreme. New York: Published by Currier & Ives, c1876. What is the "if then" statement in this paragraph? Freedom Or Slavery: Analysis Of Patrick Henry's Speech In The Virginia Convention . (35) We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Those iconic words were spoken by Neil Armstrong when his foot first touched the moon. Frederick Douglass, photographed around the time he gave his speech on July 5, 1852. However, one could argue that Patrick Henry's speech is more effective due to the fact he clearly uses different elements better in his speech. He was married twice, the first was in 1754 to Sarah Shelton, who later passed away in 1775 to what was believed to be postpartum psychosis. 27. It is taken from a soliloquy by the main character as he contemplates his next move. He chooses verbs that are increasingly dramatic to remind his audience that the Colonies have tried everything without result. are some examples of antithesis and what kind of emphasis does it create? How does Henry attempt to connect the fate of Virginia to that of Boston, and why would he wish to make this connection? In the same vein, Henry states the question of war against Great Britain in antithetical terms as a choice between "freedom or slavery.". (40) We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. "Where is antithesis in Patrick Henry's speech to the Virginia Convention?" He reminds his audience that he, like them, is a believer and is trustworthy. Henry uses the term "gentlemen" twice in the first two sentences to show his respect for speakers that have come before him. (74) Forbid it, Almighty God! ", -Michelle Obama, speaking at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (67) The war is actually begun! I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. How, in this sentence, does Henry suggest that his listeners can trust him? The use of rhetorical analysis is very useful to make works appealing and contribute effectively to the author's purpose. And what have we to oppose to them? A sentenia is an allusion to a proverb or saying to add credibility to an argument. Even when were not aware of it, were using many of the same rhetorical techniques Aristotle, Cicero, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, Jr. and other greats haveemployedin public speaking.