Rhetorical Analysis : Patrick Henry "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death" English 112

Jabari Stafford

English 112

Professor Brandon

3/10/13

                        Rhetorical Analysis: Patrick Henry

            “Give Me Liberty, or Give me Death!” These seven words were the conclusion, of an influential speech delivered by Patrick Henry on March 23, 1775. This took place in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He gave this speech to encourage the Virginians to fight for their right to bare arms. The speech had a beneficial effect. I believe the majority of the U.S. would consider this speech powerful and agree that it has changed the present and the future. The speech has a vast amount of strength within itself, and we should definitely keep these powerful words embedded in our hearts. Henry showed a great amount of courage during the speech, and he or his speech will never be forgotten.

Patrick Henry was a bright young boy, and was expected to be more than just a farm boy. He was born 39 years before he decided to give this speech, on May 29, 1736. His hometown was Hanover, Virginia on a plantation owned by his mother’s family. Patrick Henry did not support slavery, but was frightened by abolitionists. His mother led him to practice Presbyterian beliefs when dealing with religion. Henry went to a local school for a few years and the rest of his education was received from his father, who attended King’s College. When Patrick Henry was eighteen years old, he got married to a sixteen-year old girl whose name was Sarah Shelton. But after his wife Sarah died during spring 1775, Henry was married again on October 25, 1777 to a woman named Dorothea Danridge. Patrick’s political life began on December 1763 with his victory in the Parson’s Cause. Henry served in the Virginia House Of Delegates from 1780 to 1784. He was one of the most prominent political leaders and also one of the seven delegates. (190) Henry did not show support regarding to the 12 amendments sent by the very first congress in 1789. Patrick Henry opposed a strong centralized government, which is one of the main beliefs of anti-federalists. The Anti-federalists included Henry, Madison, Sam Adams, John Hancock and some others. He also opposed the United States constitution because it did not completely protect the rights of the people of America. Patrick Henry believed the absence of the Bill of Rights was “the most absurd thing to mankind that ever the world saw.” (265)  Henry also had many other achievements and accomplishments which changed America. He will always be an idol remembered for his impact on politics in America.

With this famous speech, “give me liberty, or give me death”, there are many changes within America. For example, in Gabriel’s rebellion, the rebels planned to carry a banner which said, “Death or liberty”, in remembrance of the words once spoken from the famous, Patrick Henry. (Norton) The speech was started saying “Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house.” Meaning he has the utmost respect for patriotism and believes in the American Dream. He felt he should not hold any of his thoughts back at such a time although others may disagree with his opinion. “Henry’s power as a speaker came from a unique style that combined moral appeals with blunt directness.” (190) Henry also said “it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.” This is basically saying no man will come to reality and agree that failure is a possibility. They would rather believe that there is only hope in their future. He also states the idea of baring arms. He says “They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them?” Henry’s intentions were to tell the Americans to let it be known that want their right to bare arms. He says how long should we sit back and be looked upon as weak. “Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.” Every man may say they want peace, but there is no sign of peace. Henry says “The war is actually begun!” “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.”

To get his point across to the members of the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry utilized many forms of rhetorical appeals. The first appeal was pathos. The pathos appeal is dealing with the audience’s emotions. For example, his first sentence “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house.” He expresses his strong beliefs of success for America and warms the hearts of the audience. Another form of rhetorical appeals Henry used is ethos. Ethos is usually associated with experience, reputation, credibility, honesty and identification. In the speech, Henry says “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience.” The ethos appeal was used in the first two sentences also. Henry says “But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.” This shows Patrick Henry would speak his truths regardless of what the audience felt about it. The author also used rhetorical techniques to draw the audience to agree with him. First of all, identification was used to persuade the receivers of the message. Patrick says “Mr. President it is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth…” He showed an attitude that many of the men amongst him shared. Another rhetorical technique used is the very selective word choice. Patrick Henry had a way with his words throughout the whole speech. For example, he used the word “we” to include the audience he spoke to. “Sir we are not weak, if we make proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.” The rhetorical techniques and appeals were used effectively in Henry’s speech at the Virginia House of Burgesses.

In conclusion, Henry’s speech to the men in the Virginia House of Burgesses brought hope and courage to the people there and individuals throughout America. Patrick Henry has instilled in my mind to have passion for liberty. He was truly a revolutionary hero in the 1700’s and a large contribution to the present and the future. (265) The speech, is a historical speech because of his rhetorical techniques and appeals which persuades the audience. The agenda of Henry’s speech was to promote the idea of having the right to bare arms. Patrick Henry most definitely made an impact in the political part of America. Every individual in America should remember these words of encouragement. He showed an act of bravery by speaking the truth whether anyone was offended or not. Patrick was a man who was destined to fight for our liberty in America. We all should admire Patrick Henry for his intelligence and boldness; and remember his famous words, “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death.”