Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry during the 1770s

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The 1770s proved to be a time of much chaos and debate. The thirteen colonies, which soon gained their independence, were in the midst of a conflict with Great Britain. The colonies were suffering from repeated injuries and usurpations inflicted upon them by the British. As a result of these inflictions, Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry addressed these injustices, and proved to be very persuasive through providing reasoning and evidence that moved many colonists to believe that to reach contentment and peace the colonies had to rid themselves of British rule. These men's works were very effective, not only because of the rhetorical devices used, but also because Paine and Henry were passionate about the cause they were committed to. Both Paine and Henry tried to push for support against Great Britain and motivate the colonies and their residents to side with the revolutionaries. Both felt obligated to stand up for their unalienable rights and the good of the nation, and this is most evident when Henry declared that he had to speak up, or "[he] should consider [him]self as guilty of treason towards [his] country, and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven [...]" (Henry 232). Both agree that compromise with Great Britain is not a solution, for it had been ineffective in the past. Both believe that only war can solve the problems of the colonies, and "only in this way [...] we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country" (Henry 230). When Henry pronounces that through freedom, which can only be reached through winning a war, is the only way to accomplish the nation's goals, he sets an objective. Henry's logicality and straightforwardness hits the audience with ... ... middle of paper ... ...penetrate through any person's thoughts. This one statement, one of the most frequently used examples for parallelism, holds so much power, even if it is just seven words. Put those words in the right context, and an argument comes to life. Henry's statement struck his audience right at the core. Through the accompaniment of rhetorical devices and pathos, one can strengthen his or her argument to the point where others see no other option. When spoken at the right occasions and with enough of supporting evidence, an argument will enrapture the audience and make people find your argument logical and appealing. Patrick Henry made his speech less than a month before the American Revolution took place. Thomas Paine began a series of articles when the call for men to fight against the British was urgent. When someone makes and argument, even the smallest detail counts.

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