Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine Speech Analysis
What are the main arguments in Henry's speech?
Great Britain has treated them unfairly, they have enough troops to support their mission, the war has already begun.
In his speech, what counterclaim does Henry offer?
Great Britain says that we are weak
How does the phrase "give me liberty or give me death" promote Henry's purpose.
It shows his commitment to the war and supports his purpose of persuading the House to go to war against Britain.
"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience." -rhetorical device
Metaphor
What purpose does Patrick Henry have for giving his speech?
Persuade the members of the House to go to war.
"the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire" - explain
The idea of freedom (the flame of liberty) may die, but the desire for it (the coal) will always be there.
"The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country" -rhetorical device
alliteration
"suffer not yourself to be betrayed by a kiss"-rhetorical device
allusion
ethos
credibility
pathos
emotion
"If being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such thing as slavery upon this earth."-extreme comparison
hyperbole
logos
logic
"Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared, that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to GOD." -rhetorical device
metaphor
"If being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such thing as slavery upon this earth."-literary device
metaphor: compares GB's rule to slavery
"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." - rhetorical device
parallel structure
What appeal does Paine use when he refers to slavery in paragraph one?
pathos
Why appeal does Henry use when he shows respect for his audience?
pathos
What rhetorical device is being used in this passage: "Not a place upon earth might be so happy as America. Her situation is remote from all the wrangling world, and she has nothing to do but to trade with them." - rhetorical device
personification
"Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come." - rhetorical device
repetition, imagery, metaphor
"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: ⎯ It is dearness only that gives everything its value." -rhetorical device
simile
"the cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of the wolf, and we ought to guard equally against both." - rhetorical device
simile
What purpose does Thomas Paine have for giving his speech?
to persuade soldiers to continue fighting in the war.
His his speech, what rebuttal to the counterclaim does Henry offer?
we are strong because of the size of our military and God is on our side.
