Patrick Henry’s Famous 1775 Speech “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!”

Patrick Henry respectably introduced his views on what action to take in regards of the conflict going on with Britain. Therefore, this would include preparing for war if they do not meet the colonists demands. He builds upon many rhetorical devices such as ethos by expressing his religious Christian passion. Patrick Henry’s influential style contributed to ending the British crowns exploitation of the thirteen colonies. Henry’s subject moreover was to raise a militia, and to put Virginia in a posture of defense.
In addition, other rhetorical devices that Patrick demonstrates within his speech include the strategy of appealing to logos and pathos when stating if Virginia did not join the revolution they would have failed. As well as Patrick Henry uses allusion, metaphors, and imagery to provide his audience with the horrid images. He applies to rhetorical questions to appeal to authority and emphasize to stop being law abiding citizens.
Patrick Henry begins his eminent speech with an apology and a very respectable tone towards the president. He convinces his audience by speaking his feelings. He applies to ethos to connect with his own ethical and moral beliefs. For instance, in paragraph 2 of his speech he declares “I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.” This quote appeals to rhetorical ethos. He speaks of the majesty of heaven as the quality of God. He cannot hold back his heart in such that he must be honest. It also shows how God seems more important than the “earthly kings” as stated.

He finds relevance in ethos throughout his speech to give voice and meaning and make connections to his audience. Furthermore, he speaks of church and the name of God, the supreme creator of the universe. Mr. Henry does not preach however, but he shows a biblical allusion as in paragraph 2: “It is only this way that we can hope to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.” Patrick Henry emphasized that the British cannot be stopped by pure human strength; you must receive assistance from God and work together as a unified nation to stop the evil that has come within.
He represents God to express strong feelings and emphasize the representation towards him. He is used as an object of worship, and is told to support us and aid us through this hardship. The colonists fit in because they were motivated to fight in the war, to make revolutionaries out of the colonists. There were introduced to wake up the 13 colonies and not remain slaves of England. There were frightening, but they won’t be dazzled by the mothercountry, slave traders and owners. Moreover, Henry’s tone was very eloquent and he states his sentiments straight forward. In paragraph 8, he says “Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.” He is being noble and mentioning God because he feels the utmost reality of our originator and that he is extremely important.
Patrick Henry shows the worship and value towards him. Consequently, he states that they are mighty and strong and the fact that God has guided them and paved the way. Henry convinces his countrymen to come forth and stand against these beasts. Specifically, Patrick himself also describes “cannibalistic brutality of King George and the British Monarchy.” This is a metaphor because he is comparing their very barbaric characteristics. They are attacking their own people; however he does not literally mean eating the flesh off of the people’s skin. But also this metaphor describes the laws the British had and how they decided to let US take everything from the colonies.
For instance, there were widespread beatings in the midst of this and soldiers were taking over homes, leaving but nothing for the farmers. Meanwhile there was sexual assault going on towards women and no punishment was being enforced. When Henry proclaimed the allusion and further metaphorical references in his speech he shocks the colonial brethren. “We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts.” Specifically, he meant the British were giving the colonies false hope to lure men to their deaths, as the sirens in the Odyssey. In particular, their alluring expectation and fulfillment caught their attention.
Henry engages allusion and metaphor as a rhetorical device once again saying “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience.” This lamp is the fire that guides mankind through darkness and seeks our way. He rose and sacrificed his life. This is the enlightenment to man and how he saves mankind to give freedom to the colonies. A promethean is Zeus’s slave; however he freed the humans and did well on our part. Henry says also “Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.”
Christ was betrayed by Judas and this shows how they made America feel as if they are privileged. This is the positive reception of the colonists’ petition. Not only has it fooled the colonists into thinking the British care for them when truly they will betray the colonists leading them back into slavery. The colonists’ demands were met with an insidious smile, because the British are misleading. The deceptive nature of the British angers the colonists’ because they are being fed false hope.
Additionally, Patrick Henry uses anaphora in his speech throughout paragraph 6 in the repetition of certain words to further their understanding. This includes “Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on…” Patrick Henry states “we” repeatedly. He is on the same side as his audience and he identifies with them. He appeals to logos as well in showing his ideas and thoughts.
Likewise, all the actions the colonies have taken; there is no room for any other peaceful attempts to mediate conflict. On the other hand, he emphasizes the situation and appeals to pathos in the form of false hope. In paragraph 8 Henry depicted “Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?” the rhetorical device being referred to is imagery, and he appeals to authority. Nevertheless, the colonies are seen as a weak power, lying in a coffin. If you are lying in a coffin you have no further strength. He gives God credit for any good that occurs, because God is noble. Otherwise, he describes lying back and grasping no form of home because there was no type for them.
Their enemies will take over easily, and captivate them. In paragraph 9 Patrick positions “There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! 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.” In this quote values onomatopoeia because he describes the clanking as sound being made in the reference to slaves. The horrid images that you can see as he states this is a reflection and the conflict is reality. He believes the colonies will essentially become prisoners under British control. He says the war is foreseeable and he is ready for it, let it come.
In summation, Patrick Henry says “give me liberty or give me death!” You can finally see the parallelism in the fact of the matter. It’s either life to the fullest over everything, or death in nothing in between. One or the other are bound to occur and no compromise is possible. Patrick connects slavery to death. He conditions that under the circumstance they remain less than British rule, death will occur. And it is death that is all because there is no limbo. It’s giving it your all or giving worth nothing. This is what matters in the end, freedom, independence, and liberation over everything.

Calculate the price
Make an order in advance and get the best price
Pages (550 words)
$0.00
*Price with a welcome 15% discount applied.
Pro tip: If you want to save more money and pay the lowest price, you need to set a more extended deadline.
We know how difficult it is to be a student these days. That's why our prices are one of the most affordable on the market, and there are no hidden fees.

Instead, we offer bonuses, discounts, and free services to make your experience outstanding.
How it works
Receive a 100% original paper that will pass Turnitin from a top essay writing service
step 1
Upload your instructions
Fill out the order form and provide paper details. You can even attach screenshots or add additional instructions later. If something is not clear or missing, the writer will contact you for clarification.
Pro service tips
How to get the most out of your experience with MyhomeworkGeeks
One writer throughout the entire course
If you like the writer, you can hire them again. Just copy & paste their ID on the order form ("Preferred Writer's ID" field). This way, your vocabulary will be uniform, and the writer will be aware of your needs.
The same paper from different writers
You can order essay or any other work from two different writers to choose the best one or give another version to a friend. This can be done through the add-on "Same paper from another writer."
Copy of sources used by the writer
Our college essay writers work with ScienceDirect and other databases. They can send you articles or materials used in PDF or through screenshots. Just tick the "Copy of sources" field on the order form.
Testimonials
See why 20k+ students have chosen us as their sole writing assistance provider
Check out the latest reviews and opinions submitted by real customers worldwide and make an informed decision.
BUSINESSADMINECO535
excellent work
Customer 452773, October 6th, 2023
English 101
IThank you
Customer 452631, April 6th, 2021
English 101
great summery in terms of the time given. it lacks a bit of clarity but otherwise perfect.
Customer 452747, June 9th, 2021
FIN571
excellent work
Customer 452773, March 1st, 2024
Business and administrative studies
Excellent work ,always done early
Customer 452773, February 21st, 2023
Human Resources Management (HRM)
excellent job
Customer 452773, June 25th, 2023
Social Work and Human Services
Great work I would love to continue working with this writer thought out the 11 week course.
Customer 452667, May 30th, 2021
ACC543MANAGERIALACCOUNTINGANDLEGALASPECTS
excellent
Customer 452773, January 25th, 2024
Humanities
Thank youuuu
Customer 452729, May 30th, 2021
Business and administrative studies
always perfect work and always completed early
Customer 452773, February 21st, 2023
Nursing
Impressive writing
Customer 452547, February 6th, 2021
BUSINESS LAW
excellent job made a 93
Customer 452773, March 22nd, 2023
11,595
Customer reviews in total
96%
Current satisfaction rate
3 pages
Average paper length
37%
Customers referred by a friend
OUR GIFT TO YOU
15% OFF your first order
Use a coupon FIRST15 and enjoy expert help with any task at the most affordable price.
Claim my 15% OFF Order in Chat
Close

Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own

Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. Get professional help and free up your time for more important courses. Let us handle your;

  • Dissertations and Thesis
  • Essays
  • All Assignments

  • Research papers
  • Terms Papers
  • Online Classes
Live ChatWhatsApp