The Dissection Of Patrick Henry\'s Speech

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Patrick Henry’s address to the Second Virginia Convention calls upon the House to wage war against oppressive British rule instituting it not only as a necessity, but also as an obligation demonstrating loyalty towards their nation and God. Henry’s proficiency in persuading the congressmen directly reflects his use of repetition asserting that they are at the hands of time while providing justification for what may appear to be an extreme measure by announcing that they have put forth every possible effort to prevent war. Henry states that, if we wish to be free; if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending; if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained; we must fight! Implicating that it is of their responsibility and of honor to gain independence from British domination. This also establishes Henry’s serious tone, enforcing the sincerity of his plea persuading the House to declare war.
Henry proceeds to dictate the thoughts of the congress through manipulative projections used to produce fear and recognition of his perspective of the situation. Henry observes that, 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. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever
anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. During his speech he incorporates many mythological and biblical images as depicted, functioning as a source stimulating consciousness. This exhibits...