Rhetorical Analysis Of Patrick Henry

On March 23, 1775, history was made. However, this was not the typical type of groundbreaking history. It was the beginning of a revolution so profound, that it altered the life of every person in America. In his speech to the Virginia Convention in 1775, Patrick Henry insists that it is time for the Americans to rise up and fight back against the British powers by invoking anger through descriptions of their past oppression, and by unifying the delegates through ideas of the potential enslavement of their people.

Anger is a huge motivator for many people, and Henry understood this fact and used it to his advantage in an attempt to convince the delegates to fight back against the British. He reminded the attending delegates of the “tyrannical” oppression they had faced for “the last ten years” through the usage of pathos. Henry was very particular in how and when he stirred up indignation and ego in these men, highlighting how the British have left them “bound and riveted [in the] chains which [they had] been so long forging”. His diction and imagery within the pathos was very intentional as well, alluding that the “wise men” were “lying supinely on their backs” while “hugging the delusive phantom of hope”. Henry not only appealed to their

pathos, or emotions, but he also intrigued them logically.

Though he uses logos more sparingly than he does ethos, it still is very prominent and very important in his plea, reminding the group that they “have

done everything that could be done,” to no avail. He honed in on every step and move they had taken to bring an end to Britain’s tyranny including petitions, remonstrances, and supplications only to have all attempts ignored. He argues that the only logical option left, if they “wish to be free”, is “to fight” back. All of the devices he used were deliberately chosen and structured to pull on the heartstrings of these men and remind them of the anger and hatred that was harbored inside each of them for British parliament.

Unification is the key to success in any group endeavor, and Patrick Henry’s aim was to unify the delegates and persuade them to retaliate against British despotism.
Rallying the delegates was no easy task, however Henry was persistent and won them over, leaving them with the famous quote: “as for me, give me liberty or give me death” ringing in their ears.

Patrick Henry’s ultimate goal in his speech to the Virginia Convention in 1775 was to rally the representing delegates to fight against British rule by evoking anger and hatred through reminders and descriptions of their persecution, and by consolidating the men in
their mutual desire to save their people from future bondage. He was very successful in his objective, connecting with not only his intended audience, but the audience of future Americans that would read and be inspired by his bravery.