Patrick Henry, in his speech to the Virginia Convention, rallies support for the American Revolution against Britain. Through the use of an allusion and rhetorical questions, he convinces his fellow Patriots that going to war against Great Britain is more beneficial than continuing to attempt peace. Henry alludes to Greek mythology: “We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren.” According to Greek mythology, sirens lure sailors to their death by singing a beautiful, irresistible song. Henry conveys that Americans have false hope toward Britain in believing that they can achieve freedom without violence. With their eyes shut, Americans are blinded by Britain’s irresistible song, the empty promise
