Speech to VA Rhetorical and Style Analysis

The main purpose of Patrick Henry’s speech is to—

• convince the delegates that he should be chosen to lead the revolution

• describe the history of British colonization in America

• seek revenge for personal injuries committed by the British king

• persuade his fellow delegates to fight against the British

Henry advocates immediate action by the colonists because he believes that the —

• British army is preparing to march into Virginia.

• king is too far away to order a quick response.

• conflict has already begun and the colonists have no choice but to fight.

• colonists will become apathetic or unconcerned if they don’t act.

Henry seeks to dissuade the delegates from resorting to argument because—

• the British might take recourse to military action

• after ten years all attempts at argument have been exhausted

• more can be achieved through reason than through hotheaded exchanges

• words can never settle anything

When Henry uses the words “chains and slavery” near the end of his speech, he is referring to the—

• situation of African Americans in the Colonies

• his belief that the colonies will have many of their rights taken from them by British rule

• possibility of enslaving captured British troops

• fact that the English seek to literally enslave the colonists

Henry points out a contradiction between British—

• claims of peaceful intent and their growing military presence in America

• settlement of America and maintenance of their government in Britain

• interest in the Colonies and neglect of the colonists’ needs

• democratic tradition and the institution of royalty

Patrick Henry believes that the colonies and Britain can work out their differences peacefully.

• True

• False

Patrick Henry does not advocate immediate action by the colonists.

• True

• False

Logical appeal is a persuasive technique that—

• gives positive reinforcement to decisions that are already made

• provides reasons to support a particular opinion or course of action

• supports both logic and emotion in persuasive pieces

• shows listeners can be influenced by fiery words

An emotional appeal—

• makes listeners sit back before finally taking action

• helps people make decisions that they will regret

• uses words and images to stir up an audience’s feelings

• forces someone to analyze a situation in a step-by-step process

The following statement utilizes what type of rhetorical device? "The war is inevitable—and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!"

• restatement

• repetition

• rhetorical questioning

• analogy