Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! Analysis of Patrick Henry's Speech

1. Ethos

1.1. "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."

1.2. "Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power."

2. Background

2.1. Virginia Convention 1775

2.2. Patrick Henry

2.3. Convincing colonists to fight for their freedom from England

3. Figurative Language

3.1. ALLUSION -"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."

3.2. "Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land."

3.3. PERSONIFICATION-"No, sir, she has none."

3.4. METAPHOR- "They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging."

4. Emotional Appeal

4.1. "For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery"

4.2. "Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult"

5. Parallelism

5.1. "Give me liberty or give me death!"

6. Rhetorical Question

6.1. " Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty?"

6.2. "Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?"

6.3. "I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission?"

6.4. "But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year?"