Patriotism and Fear in The Scarlet Letter

Patriotism and Fear in The Scarlet Letter

Patrick Henry and Jonathan Edwards are both spectacular speakers and have the ability to influence a crowd. Henry uses his ability of persuasion to sway the Virginia House of Burgesses. Edwards uses persuasion to give a sermon directed toward sinners and natural men. Henry and Edwards have many parallels and variations in their works. One can distinguish the similarities and differences between Patrick Henry and Jonathan Edwards in the purpose, repetition, and rhetoric of their writings.

Jonathan Edwards and Patrick Henry have similar, yet different purposes. Both Henry and Edwards are trying to convince or motivate a group of people to act upon what is righteous and just. Henry, indifferent to Edwards, is pleading with the Virginia House of Burgesses to fight against the ruthless and overpowering British for independence:

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace—but there is peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! (Henry 90)

Henry's intention is to influence Congress to lead the way to war and he is trying to motivate the Congressmen to feel the same way as he does about fighting for freedom. The audience, after listening to Henry's speech, is compelled to feel an obliga...

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...d unholy people. The fear and horror created by Edwards' sermon convinces the audience into doing anything for salvation from the fiery pits of hell. Although the rhetoric that Edwards and Henry use are different, they both satisfy the authors' purposes.

Patrick Henry and Jonathan Edwards are both enthusiastic speakers and are excellent in persuading groups of people. Edwards and Henry both use rhetoric and repetition; however, Henry uses them to move people whereas Edwards uses them to create the aspect of fear in peoples' minds. Henry and Edwards have similar yet different purposes in that both are trying to sway a group of people but each speaker has a different audience and technique of persuasion. Patrick Henry and Jonathan Edwards are similar in the notion that both are eloquent speakers however each speaker has his own unique approach to persuasion.