In 1775, Patrick Henry gave a speech that would change America’s entire lifestyle. He talked with passion and persuasion when he talked to all the delegates at the Virginia convention. His speech became known worldwide and forever will be remembered. His speech was the reason The United States was formed. He convinced an entire convention that the best idea for America was to fight and claim freedom from England. He will always be remembered for “Give me Liberty, or give me death.
Patrick Henry begins his speech by complimenting the delegates. He tells them they are “very worth gentlemen.” Afterwords he begins to say that, “Different men see in different lights,” this way he could make his statement without dishonoring the delegates and causing them to not listen to his proposal. He uses other phrases such as “freedom or slavery” to let the delegates realize the seriousness of the situation, and that they deserved to be free men under their own government.
In the second paragraph of Patrick Henry’s speech, he tells the delegates the truth so the can realize what is really going on. He tells the delegates “We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth.” He does this because he wants them to realize they need to take action, not just pretend like things didn’t happen. He also begins to quote from the bible, this way he can show the delegates that he is an intelligent man, and he is also religious. This gives the delegates a better feel and like for Mr. Patrick Henry.
In the third paragraph, Patrick Henry begins to tell the delegates that Britain is preparing for war. Also, he try’s to show them that Britain are not as honest as they make themselves out to be. He tells them, “Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare at your feet.” He says this to show that Britain cannot be trusted. Patrick Henry explains how everything they have been doing isn’t working, and they need to try a new strategy, and the best idea for them is war. He says, “We must fight, I repeat it sir, we must fight.” He uses this repetition to make I stick in the delegates’ heads and to be sure to get his point across.
In the final two paragraphs Patrick Henry is telling the delegates that there is no better time than the present, and God is on their side.They need to act now before it’s to late. He asks the delegates several rhetorical questions. He uses this strategy to make a point to the delegates about what Britain has done to them. He brings up that, “The clanking may be heard from Boston,” to show that in Boston retaliation has already begun, and the people are ready to be free from the wretched English. He finishes his speech by telling the delegates that the war has already begun, and that the war is, “right under their noses.” He tells the delegates he isn’t sure what others may believe, but for him, “give me liberty, or give me death.” He says this to inspire the delegates under the flame of emotion. Also, he wants to show them that he is willing to fight, and he hopes they are too.
In conclusion, Patrick Henry gave an immaculate speech to the delegates of the Virginia Convention, and he also changed the world. His speech caused the beginning of the creation of the great country of the U.S. He will forever be remembered in history for his speech, his willingness to fight, and his persuasive way with words.
