speech in the virginia convention by patrick henry

The speech includes several Biblical allusions - revolutionary rhetoricians often used Biblical references because it allowed them to speak more strongly against Britain without using overtly treasonous speech. While the speech can be used to investigate issues of freedom, power, and rights of the governed, this lesson focuses upon effective rhetoric. This is a persuasive speech, one intended not only to present an argument but also to persuade the audience to act. In this lesson students will deconstruct Patrick Henry’s famous speech to explore the tools of effective persuasion, including appeals, rhetorical strategies, and classical argument.

Key Concept 3.1 (IIB) (arguments about rights of British subjects, the rights of the individual,…).

ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6 (determine author’s point of view).

ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4 (determine the meaning of words and phrases).

ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1 (cite evidence to analyze specifically and by inference).

In this speech Patrick Henry (1736–1799) uses powerful rhetoric to convince influential, affluent, landed men of Virginia with much to lose to move past their current diplomatic posture opposing British aggression to the more treasonous one of open military preparedness. Virginia ranked among the largest, wealthiest, and most populous colonies in 1775, and her political and military support for independence would be crucial for success. While there had been unrest and resistance in Massachusetts with scattered acts of support from other areas, no organized movement toward revolution existed across the Colonies. In 1775 American independence was not a foregone conclusion. What arguments, appeals, and rhetorical strategies did Patrick Henry use in 1775 to persuade reluctant members of the Second Virginia Convention to develop a military response to British aggression? Understanding

Text Analysis & Close Reading Questions.

Speech in the virginia convention by patrick henry