Patrick Henry Speech In The Virginia Convention Rhetorical Devices

In “Speech in the Virginia Convention,” Patrick Henry utilizes the persuasive devices of repetition and rhetorical question for the purpose of impressing the necessity of going to war against Britain. First, Henry’s use of rhetorical questions enforces the lack of freedom offered to the colonists and lack of change from the British government. He states, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the prices of chains and slavery?” (page 206). In this rhetorical question, Henry is posing the obvious answer that a life without freedom, justice, and liberty is not one that is worth keeping just for the sake of peace. This example is useful because it forces the people to question why they are refusing to go to war and succumbing to the British government. …show more content…
Also, Henry claims, “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?” (page 204). With this rhetorical question, Henry indicates the evidence that there is to be no hope of the British allowing some freedom and lack of restrictions. They have shown no sign of change from their current state of domination. A logical appeal is present as one can concur that since the British government has failed to give the colonies any freedom and has since harshened their restraints, that there will be no justice in the future. All-in-all, Henry utilizes the technique of rhetorical question in order to pose the questions that prove the necessity for war against the tyrannical