One really famous example is Neil Armstrong's statement as he stepped onto the moon's surface; he said, "One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." I have provided an example for each type of antithesis from Henry's speech. Countless quotes and sayings rely on it for effect. Instead of relying on the British to protect their liberties, the Americans must be prepared to fight for themto the death, if necessary. He also wants to let the audience know he is addressing the same people in both sentences. 0000005605 00000 n It doesnt stand out and demand to be memorable. (10) Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? An example of slave imagery in paragraph 3 is "they are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains, which the British ministry have been so long forging". It relies on parallel phrases, remember? A final example is when Henry says "if we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending". Julie est au parc avec son amie Caroline et rpond a\`{a}a sa question sur leurs vacances avec les parents de Julie. In sentence 11 he says "Are we disposed of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not." 619 Words3 Pages. Patrick Henry's speech is based on an either/or premise, which can be summed up in antithetical terms as fight or die. Our online magazine with tips, news, and instruction for you. Posted on Published: March 14, 2021- Last updated: September 18, 2022. Antithesis is not opposition to creating a thesis as part of an academic program, though we sympathize if you are, in fact, anti-thesis in pursuit of that masters degree. Below, watch and listen as Armstrong says it himself, setting foot on the moon for the first time. Cambia la siguientes oracin a preguntas. For one thing, poets tend to reveal personal parts of themselves, the parts that are usually hidden in everyday interactions yet are always lurking beneath the surface. Here they are. The purpose of the debate, of which this speech is a part, is to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country (sentence 6). For example, we describe zombies as the living dead, which illustrates their contradictory nature. Give an example in this paragraph of an attempt to engage the audience and an example of an attempt to prepare the audience. The Convention members consider themselves to be men of integrity and ethics, as Henry acknowledged in sentence 1. However, in my humble opinion, the line doesnt pop. Henry begins the second sentence with "but" to show he is continuing his previous thought. There is no longer any room for hope." Henry delivered his argument on March 23, 1775 to the Virginia House of Burgesses after several other speakers who preceded him spoke of the need for continued diplomatic negotiations between the colonies and Great Britain. Henry is implying that not seeing or listening to his argument will lead to destruction. Henry emphasizes the seriousness of the military response that Great Britain has already displayed. FL_L11PE-u01s41-VirCon.indd 226 1/28/08 4:47:05 PMFL_L11PE-u01s41-VirCon.indd 227 1/28/08 4:47:07 PM 1 Targeted Passage In reality the sirens were ugly beasts, that killed the men as soon as they approached and ate them. Choose three examples of emotional language from excerpt 3. A hypophora is useful to present to an audience issues they may not have considered in depth. Give me liberty, or give me death! Patrick Henry delivering his great speech on the rights of the colonies, before the Virginia Assembly, convened at Richmond, March 23rd 1775, concluding with the above sentiment, which became the war cry of the revolution. Lithograph. He means that the question under discussion is extremely important with potentially life-changing consequences. (61) Our chains are forged! He means this is no time to simply say things because they might sound conciliatory, since ceremonies are often for visual display rather than actual action. Alexander Drive, P.O. In this second paragraph of the exordium, Henry works to explain the importance and timeliness of his argument by setting up a contrast between illusions and truth in sentences 8 and 12. (11) 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? Types of informative speeches. Do you know Patrick Henry's famous line that owes its zip to antithesis? Each paragraph is accompanied by a number of close reading questions designed to invite student analysis in four major areas: classical argument structure, diction and syntax, rhetorical strategies, and argumentative appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos). 39. ", -Martin Luther King, Jr. in a commencement address at Oberlin College in June 1965, "I know not what course others may take: but as for me,give me liberty or give me death. relates to this idea, and appeals to the dignity of the men in the assembly. Why does he make this connection? Of course, Henry does not actually suggest that the people take on this action, because he is implying that this kind of action is totally wrong. Why does he use the term ceremony? In 1775 unrest bubbled through the American Colonies. He states that it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope but in the last sentence of the paragraph he clearly says he will not do that he will know the whole truth. His argument will contain truth but will not contain illusions. In sentence 58, what does Henry mean by we have no election? Rhetorical parenthesis is the insertion into a sentence of an explanatory word or phrase. (41) Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. i repeat it, sir, we must fight. We can be forced to fight. (23) These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. Wirt drew upon materials collected beginning in 1808, including interviews with those who knew Henry and those who were present when the speech was delivered. It is taken from a soliloquy by the main character as he contemplates his next move. Henry does this in sentences 11 and 12. Henry uses this allusion in where the colonies are Christ, and the British ministry is the equivalent of Judas. Why? What rhetorical devices are used in Patrick Henry's speech? He reminds his audience that he, like them, is a believer and is trustworthy. 22. Throughout his speech, Henry repeats that the Virginia colony is badly treated by Britain, and compares it to being enslaved. (34) Nothing. "But when shall we be stronger? (56) There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. If Americans cannot live in liberty, they at least must be prepared to die for it. Henry states that the privileges of the people will be taken away. 0000003309 00000 n Our chains are forged! In the second paragraph Henry spoke of the illusions of hope. In sentence 43 he says, There is no longer any room for hope. Why did he use this term again? Henry cautions his audience that the hopes of the past may have been used to comfort the Convention, but such comfort is an illusion and will not last. 0 Henry builds to a syllogistic argument, an appeal to logic, at the end of this paragraph. The return to an image of slavery is shown when Henry says, "There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. The speech was so inspiring that it ignited a massive flame of patriotism. (20) Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Even though he is a fellow member of the Convention, he uses a rhetorical shift to explain that what he will say from that point on will be different than that heard before. As you analyze the individual parts of the speech, look also for how these parts of the argument work together. ", "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.". 25. This shows that their chains are meant for only the Americans to be chained and that the "war is inevitable". You can find it on YouTube. 36. "Where is antithesis in Patrick Henry's speech to the Virginia Convention?" In this lesson you will look at Patrick Henrys speech and analyze his methods for convincing his fellow members of the Virginia Convention to take a military stance against the British. Would they rather ignore the situation and have dangerous outcomes (this choice is defined by the previous allusions to the sirens and Ezekiel) or instead know the truth and prepare? What is Henry's purpose in using this image in paragraph 3? 0000000736 00000 n There is alliteration, assonance, imagery, metaphor, rhyme, and onomatopoeia. Will it be the next week, or the next year? The speech divides into the four parts of a classical argument, defined below. What is the purpose of returning to this metaphor yet again? %%EOF He inserts appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos. In sentence 43 he says, "There is no longer any room for hope." Henry completely rejects the possibility of reconciliation with Britain. The rhetorical parenthesis is peace and reconciliation. Henry seeks to establish his respect for those who do not agree with him by referring to them as gentlemen. His use of pronouns reinforces the idea that the chains heard in Boston are also the chains of Virginians. Twenty-seven days after this speech was delivered the Battles of Lexington and Concord proved Henry correct. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! He challenges his audience with the fact that they are already enslaved and implies that they must themselves remove the chains. This indicates the courage that Henry displays by making the speech and by implication he recognizes the courage that will be necessary for his fellow delegates to take action. 1. Give an example of an "illusion of hope" that Henry suggests in this second paragraph. It reminds us that people will always make mistakes, but only the best of us will find the strength to forgive and let go. 23. Then, in sentence seven, he introduces his own ethics and how he must be loyal to his country and to God. Frederick Douglass, photographed around the time he gave his speech on July 5, 1852. (73) Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? A sentenia is an allusion to a proverb or saying to add credibility to an argument. This is the famous line from Shakespeares Hamlet. He recognizes and compliments the patriotism and abilities of the other members of the Convention in his first sentence (note that Henry continues to address the body as the House). Henry believes by facing the truth instead of saying what they want to hear, the people can gain their freedom. He believes the British represent Judas and that while they will appear brotherly to the Colonies they will betray, leading to Colonial downfall. The obvious, and unspoken, answer is liberty, of course. In this paragraph Henry uses emotional appeals, language intended to create an emotional response from the audience. In order for others to accept a different idea, they must first believe they are being respected. (16) Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? What is its purpose? What does solace mean? In sentence 7 he enumerates his own ethics, stating that he must speak now or be guilty of both treason to his country and disloyalty to the "majesty of heaven." This reaffirms his trustworthiness with his audience. He is unwilling to accept anything less than liberty, and he will fight to the death to win it. (52) 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? Major premise [A]: We must either talk or fight to achieve results. In this paragraph Henry uses emotional appeals, language intended to create an emotional response from the audience. There is a sense of intimacy, an opportunity to dive into another persons soul and watch the gears of their mind twist and turn. The refutatio presents and refutes counter arguments. The time for vacillation is over; there is no longer any point in trying to compromise with the British. Here are two: "To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity.". Identify the three parts of his syllogism (Major premise [A], Minor premise [B], and Conclusion), citing evidence from the text. He appeals to ethos in sentence 53 by saying we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. In sentence 54 he appeals to Logos and pathos by citing three millions of people (logos) armed in the holy cause of liberty (pathos), and in such a country as that which we possess (pathos, patriotism).. (60) There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! In order to avoid any interference from British troops, the Second Convention of approximately 120 delegates met in Richmond, Virginia, from March 20 through March 27. How does Henrys final statement, Give me liberty or give me death represent the courage of both Henry and his audience? Asyndeton is a series of phrases or words with conjunctions deleted. This was an either/or choice with nothing in between, and a traitors death was quite likely if the patriot efforts failed. Formez la question que Caroline pose. He says "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?". Identify the parenthesis and Henry's purpose for including it. (38) Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. 0000002858 00000 n Henry uses the term "ceremony" to stress the importance of not trying to just placate the situation, but deal with the truth. It illustrates the positive qualities of the people fighting in the battle. How might the format of the Henry speech apply to current events, especially in countries and regions of political unrest? Antithesis is defined as a particular kind of literary device that organizes sentence structure in such a way that the sentence presents two opposing ideas in a grammatically parallel way. The lamp is experience. The purpose expresses that the battle is not only for the strong people who just want to fight, but that it is for the vigilant, active and brave people who want to fight the battle for a reason. Cite evidence from the text. He makes it sound like the colonists really only have a choice between liberty and death, so which will they choose? But different men often see the same In sentence 54 he appeals to Logos and pathos by citing "three millions of people (logos) armed in the holy cause of liberty (pathos), and in such a country as that which we possess (pathos, patriotism).". What was the purpose of the "Speech to the Virginia Convention"? 2. The speech includes several Biblical allusions revolutionary rhetoricians often used Biblical references because it allowed them to speak more strongly against Britain without using overtly treasonous speech. Choose three examples of emotional language from excerpt 3. For each of your examples explain how they are intended to arouse Henry's audience. 0000004778 00000 n He answers it through tonal shifts and appeals. Henry uses multiple biblical allusions with which his educated audience would be familiar. Consider petition (to bring written grievances) versus remonstrate (to forcefully protest) versus supplicate (to beg earnestly or humbly) versus prostrate (to totally submit) versus implore (to beg desperately). Those iconic words were spoken by Neil Armstrong when his foot first touched the moon. Thus, there are only two options left: success or failure in war against Britain. 17. Why does Henry use this term? Give me liberty or give me death!. -To amplify: "the war is actually begun" (sentence 67) He is appealing to the ethical integrity of his audience by articulating their earthly and heavenly responsibilities. He is moving his audience away from the position of illusive hope that they may have held at the beginning of his speech toward another position. Do you know Patrick Henry's famous line that owes its zip to antithesis? He wants to be seen as respectful in order to get his message across more clearly. Find an example of metonomy and synecdoche in this paragraph and identify what each represents. This stark choice is designed to make Henry's audience realize just what is at stake. He inserts appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos. 40. 9.;;0pV#i?mAYw3Y6L~Xe~XPgv31m5Q5^. are some examples of antithesis and what kind of emphasis does it create? He states in sentence 68, "the next gale will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms.". This text divides into four sections aligned to the arrangement of classical argument. 887 Words4 Pages. He uses ironic rhetorical questions questions that convey the opposite of what he attempts to argue. He is emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of this debate and establishing the importance of immediate, serious discussion rather than a postponement of the issue (recall that some members of the Convention wished to wait until negotiations had run their course before beginning military preparedness). The sentenia in the Peroratio uses the religion of the majority of the audience to encourage them to fight for peace and freedom. While the speech can be used to investigate issues of freedom, power, and rights of the governed, this lesson focuses upon effective rhetoric. What purpose does Henry establish, and to what is he appealing in order to emphasize this purpose? In sentence 7 he enumerates his own ethics, stating that he must speak now or be guilty of both treason to his country and disloyalty to the majesty of heaven. This reaffirms his trustworthiness with his audience. Summarizing why a speaker (or writer) might choose to use antithesis, LitCharts writes it can: Well add that antithesis makes a point memorableand quotableas weve seen recently with the line "When they go low, we go high" and in the not-so-distant past with Neil Armstrongs "one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.". (31) Shall we try argument? Patrick Henry, speech to the Virginia Convention, 1775. Henry continues to use "gentlemen" in this paragraph. 0000008610 00000 n The text of this speech is well known; less well known is the fact that there was no actual transcript created of Henrys speech after all, these discussions smacked of treason, and keeping a written record would have been dangerous. There is no longer any middle position that can be adopted; there are only two choices: liberty or death. How does Henry use both parallelism and verb choice (diction) to explain that the Colonies have tried many steps to maintain peace? What is the if then statement in this paragraph? "We have no election" (Par. Identify the three parts of his syllogism (Major premise [A], Minor premise [B], and Conclusion), citing evidence from the text. Its like having a boat with a strong motor, but then you shut off the motor and hope the current will be strong enough to take you where you need to go. (5) For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. 4. Each month, our Buckley School resident students of classical rhetoric explain a rhetorical device that can improve your public speaking. and other greats haveemployedin public speaking. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. (68) The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! (50) Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Henry is using the allusion from The Odyssey, a poem written by Homer. Why does he make this connection? On the other hand, they are alive in every sense of the word. In his question, he depicts the people's lack of action towards war as "lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot". Henry displays an idea that the American people should fight back against the British. Antithesis comes from the Greek antithenai, which means to oppose. Metonomy and synecdoche are special types of metaphors. In a synecdoche, part of an element substitutes for the whole (for instance, farm hands means farm laborers). Henry states that he is willing to suffer a traitors death rather than be denied liberty. In sentence 20, what does Henry contrast with love and reconciliation? Tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament (sentence 40) is synecdoche, representing the British government. In sentence 7 Henry is asking them to understand that he likewise is compelled to speak based on his own sense of integrity (if he holds back, he would consider himself "guilty of treason"). In sentence 7 Henry argues on the basis of "ethos," which is Greek for "character." Urgent, pleading, inflammatory Paragraph 1 1. Each month, our Buckley School resident students of classical rhetoric explain a rhetorical device that can improve your public speaking. The most common types of informative speeches are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration. National Humanities Center | 7 T.W. The use of rhetorical analysis is very useful to make works appealing and contribute effectively to the author's purpose. The above quote is from Alexander Pope. Freedom Or Slavery: Analysis Of Patrick Henry's Speech In The Virginia Convention . New York: Published by Currier & Ives, c1876. By now, I hope you see how common antithesis is. What is it that gentlemen wish? endstream endobj 35 0 obj<> endobj 37 0 obj<> endobj 38 0 obj<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/ExtGState<>>> endobj 39 0 obj<> endobj 40 0 obj<> endobj 41 0 obj<> endobj 42 0 obj<> endobj 43 0 obj<> endobj 44 0 obj<> endobj 45 0 obj<> endobj 46 0 obj<>stream He uses this to highlight the fact that the people should trust him and his words. 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." (17) Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. They are used in Patrick Henry's extemporaneous speech "Give Me Liberty, or Give me Death." Henry, a revolutionary leader, made this speech at the meeting of the Virginia convention on March 23, 1775. Henry uses parallelism (structuring phrases in similar fashion) several times in this paragraph. 0000000016 00000 n You can clearly see that there are two opposing ideas here being presented in conjunction. Such a statement implies that there is no middle groundthere are no other alternatives. The first paragraph of classical argument, the exordium, seeks to engage the audience and prepare them to hear the speaker's message. 27. Consider sentence 40, especially the verbs. His argument in this paragraph is that the British Ministry had proved themselves to be untrustworthy, and action should be taken. Those who can, do; those who can't do, teach. (sentence 70) A 1929 Debate, The Marshall Plan Speech: Rhetoric and Diplomacy. Anyway, one reason this phrase has been immortalized is its use of antithesis. (58) Besides, sir, we have no election. Rather than the word of God, which is the lamp found in the Biblical verse, what is the lamp that Henry uses to guide his feet in sentence 13? Statue of Patrick Henry, Richmond, Virginia. Frederick Douglasss powerful speech, "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro," is built on juxtaposition. (18) Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. in. Antithesis is a tool that pits two opposing ideas against each other, and the result is a contrasting effect that highlights an overarching meaning. What does he contrast? Forbid it"(73-74). What is his purpose in first asking if they are "disposed to see not, and hear not" and then stating, "I am willing to know the whole truth: to know the worst, and to provide for it"? Henry builds to a syllogistic argument, an appeal to logic, at the end of this paragraph. Speech to the Second Virginia Convention. While there had been unrest and resistance in Massachusetts with scattered acts of support from other areas, no organized movement toward revolution existed across the Colonies. In sentence 3 what does Henry mean when he says, this is no time for ceremony? Moreover, this contrast is usually aided by parallelism, or parallel structures, which draws the attention of the listener and engages them. He uses rhetorical strategies and appeals to further develop his argument, making sure that each item is contextualized from the Colonial perspective. Henry first mentions slavery in paragraph one when he contrasts it with freedom. Spicy food is heaven on the tongue but hell in the tummy. (2) But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. ", -Michelle Obama, speaking at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. This hypophora explains how the people cannot dream or enjoy hope, without ever experiencing it or having to fight for it. Henry's Striking Speech. 36 0 obj<>stream What argument does he anticipate and what two rhetorical strategies does he use to refute it? (The mention of Boston most probably refers to the Intolerable Acts and their enforcement.). xref (74) Forbid it, Almighty God! Henry's purpose in using this image in paragraph 3 is to explain that the Colonies failed when they attempted to fight (fight meaning argue) the British that are trying to enslave them. Henry delivered his 1775 speech at St. Johns Church in Richmond, Virginia. Cite evidence from the text. George Matthews, Patrick Henry, half-length portrait. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. Patrick Henry on the George Washington equestrian statue at Capitol Square, Richmond, Virginia.. He again sets up a choice for his audience. Saint Johns Church, Richmond, Virginia, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. Peter F. Rothermel, Patrick Henrys Treason speech before the House of Burgesses, 1851. According to Henry, which will his argument contain and which will it NOT contain? Given the framing of such a stark choice, it's inevitable that on Henry's terms, all freedom-loving Americans would rather be dead than live without liberty. Even when were not aware of it, were using many of the same rhetorical techniques Aristotle, Cicero, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, Jr. and other greats haveemployedin public speaking. What does "solace" mean? How does this allusion contribute to Henrys argument? As a rhetorical device, antithesis is defined very specifically as the use of: 1) two opposing ideas 2) presented in parallel structure 3) in the same sentence The effect is to heighten the contrastand in many cases, vividly drive the speaker's point home. And he wants the members of his audience to do likewiseto take up arms in defense of American liberty against a power that has so frequently and blatantly violated it. 0000001373 00000 n Why does Henry use the term "gentlemen" twice in the first two sentences? He means there is no choice but to fight. Patrick Henry discredits this approach by saying that all these strategies had been attempted in the past. Perhaps one of the most famous examples of antithesis is Patrick Henry's final line of his speech: "Give me liberty or give me death!" And, then you have unique poetic structures, like couplets, stanzas, and antithesis. To Henry, a life of slavery is not a life at all and hence not worth living "Is life so dear, or peace so dear as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Patrick Henry, speech to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/patrick.asp, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/det.4a26383/, http://www.richmond.com/image_d0936222-3d78-11e2-9cd8-001a4bcf6878.html, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.34917/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Henry#/media/File:Patrick_Henry_Rothermel.jpg, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b50326/, Lexington and Concord: Tipping Point of the Revolution, ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1 (cite evidence to analyze specifically and by inference), ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4 (determine the meaning of words and phrases), ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6 (determine authors point of view), Key Concept 3.1 (IIB) (arguments about rights of British subjects, the rights of the individual,), The first two paragraphs form the introduction (, The third paragraph provides the statement of fact (, The fourth paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments (, The final paragraph forms the conclusion (, Text analysis and close reading questions.