Rhetorical Analysis Patrick Henry

On the twenty third of March, 1775, Patrick Henry stormed through the doors of the Virginia Convention, demanding his fiery speech to be heard and believed by all. Although the situation may not have been executed in exactly that manner, the meeting was filled with high tensions at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia. Patrick Henry’s “Speech to the Virginia Convention” illustrates the need to bear arms against Great Britain. His ability to persuade and captivate his audience is clearly shown in his speech to the House of Burgesses. Henry’s phenomenal and persuasive oratory is able to convince his audience that Britain is the enemy by appealing to pathos, logos, and ethos and skilfull use of rhetorical questions; furthermore, he is able …show more content…
Henry’s powerful word choice and diction reflect his oratory skills and emphasize the need to fight against Britain’s attempt to restrict the freedoms of America. Henry exemplifies his powerful diction when he expresses, “These are the implements of war and subjugation...what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy...to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies?” (Henry).Henry’s selective word choice clearly shows his points- Britain’s actions are forcing the US to submit. What motivation does Britain have? Why are they accumulating navies and armies? His word choice is in favor of his clear and reasonable ideas. Henry shows his effectual diction again when he states, “...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...” (Henry). His use of ‘noble struggle’ makes the audience feel that their actions have been in good reason. Also, the audience has already ‘pledged’ that they will fight for their freedom, therefore they must fight against Britain. Although some may argue that ‘the glorious object of our contest’ is too vague, it allows the audience to form their own idea of their reason to fight. His word choice builds up the audience and are said in a way that justifies their actions. In addition to effectual diction, Henry’s use of imagery paints a picture that reflects the preparations for war on the sides of both Britain and America. Henry illustrates Britain’s attempt to constrain the freedoms of America when he asserts, “They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long