Patrick Henry Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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The principal thing Henry did when giving his discourse has he complimented his adversaries, so as to pick up their appreciation and trust. Since the group of onlookers regards Henry, they will be all the more eager to listen to what it is he needs to say. Another technique that Patrick uses is that of allusions. By mentioning well-known sources which are common and known by the majority of the audience, Patrick establishes credibility. By insinuating the Bible, Henry tries to legitimize his declaration of protection of divine. A particular case of Biblical suggestion in the discourse is the use of the statement, "Endure not yourselves to be sold out with a kiss" and "We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts." …show more content…
He emphasizes that the British has brought their armies and navies solely for that purpose and that there could be no other reason for their actions. This idea creates fear and a sense of desperation and therefore a reason to fight back against British oppression. In the last sentence of the speech “but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”, Henry utilizes direct antithesis as a part of the parallel structure in an exclamatory sentence to demonstrate that freedom is similar as significant and alluring as

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