Patrick Henry S Speech in the Virginia Convention

Name ______Hour ____

Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Convention”

Common Core Application/Analysis Questions

In your Class & Grammar Notebook, title the next blank page: “Patrick Henry’s ‘Speech in the Virginia Convention.’” Respond to the following sidebar questions: A,C,D, F.

Identify the meaning of ETHOS, PATHOS, and LOGOS. Refer to yesterday’s reading for help.

Re-read Henry’s speech and highlight two examples of each method of persuasion on your text.

ETHOS – PinkPATHOS – YellowLOGOS – Blue

What does Patrick Henry urge the colonists to do?

______

What made the occasion of Patrick Henry’s speech a decisive moment?

______

Interpret Allusion. What is an allusion? ______

There are four obvious allusions in his speech.

Lines 15-17: What source is the allusion referencing? ______

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument? ______

Lines 18-19: What source is the allusion referencing? ______

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument?______

Line28: What source is the allusion referencing? ______

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument?______

Lines 74-75: What source is the allusion referencing? ______

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument?______

Evaluate Appeals. How does Henry convince his audience that the decisive moment to fight is at hand? In a chart, summarize his reasons. Then, beside each, note whether he appeals mainly to logic or emotion.

Which reason is the strongest? Explain.

______

Compose a persuasive speech in your Writer’s Notebook. Title the page, “My Persuasive Speech.”

Patrick Henry’s famous speech is a classic example of effective oratory, the art of public speaking. Using Henry’s speech as a model, write a three-to-five paragraph persuasive speech on a topic you feel strongly about. After writing the speech, highlight with the help of question #2 where your speech uses each of the three methods of persuasion: ETHOS, PATHOS, and LOGOS. You should have at least fourexamples of these methods and be sure that each method is represented at least ONCE in your writing.

A persuasive speech will…

present a clear argument

cite reasons and other evidence

use rhetorical devices

close with a strong statement

Name ______Hour ____

Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Convention”

Common Core Application/Analysis Questions KEY

In your Class & Grammar Notebook, title the next blank page: “Patrick Henry’s ‘Speech in the Virginia Convention.’” Respond to the following sidebar questions: A, C, D, F.

A. The phrases “same subject in different lights” (line 3) and “freedom or slavery” (line 8) are examples of antithesis. This rhetorical device emphasizes the stark contrast between the two points of view and the two choices facing the colonists.

C. The phrases “having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not” (line 19) and “to know the whole truth – to know the worst” (line 21) are examples of parallelism. “Having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not” is also an example of antithesis. Henry is making the point that those who do not want to fight are ignoring the obvious truth.

D. The answer to each rhetorical question is “No,” except for “what means this martial array…?” Here that answer is to agree with Henry that “its purpose [is]…to force us to submission.” A listener will likely respond by accepting Henry’s analysis.

F. The word sir literally refers to the president of the Convention, but broadly it is intended to affect all the delegates by emphasizing Henry’s respect for his audience. The repetition of “let it come!” shows his determination and courage in facing the conflict and is also designed to stir an emotional response.

Identify the meaning of ETHOS, PATHOS, and LOGOS. Refer to yesterday’s reading for help.

Re-read Henry’s speech and highlight two examples of each method of persuasion on your text.

ETHOS – PinkPATHOS – YellowLOGOS – Blue

What does Patrick Henry urge the colonists to do?

Patrick Henry urges the colonists to prepare to fight against the British.

What made the occasion of Patrick Henry’s speech a decisive moment?

The speech addressed the men who would decide if Virginia, one of the largest colonies, would join Massachusetts in armed rebellion against Britain. It was also a decisive moment in Henry’s career, bringing him fame and further opportunities.

Interpret Allusion. What is an allusion? An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work with which the author believes the reader will be familiar.

There are four obvious allusions in his speech.

Lines 15-17: What source is the allusion referencing? Homer’s The Odyssey

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument?

The allusion reinforces Henry’s argument because the hope for peace is a false lure.

Lines 18-19: What source is the allusion referencing? Bible

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument?

The allusion reinforces Henry’s argument because it urges one to not ignore clear evidence.

Line 28: What source is the allusion referencing? Bible

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument?

The allusion reinforces Henry’s argument because it urges one to not trust treacherous pretenses.

Lines 74-75: What source is the allusion referencing? Bible

How does the allusion reinforce Patrick Henry’s argument?

The allusion reinforces Henry’s argument because our spirit can make up for our weaker force.

Evaluate Appeals. How does Henry convince his audience that the decisive moment to fight is at hand? In a chart, summarize his reasons. Then, beside each, note whether he appeals mainly to logic or emotion.

Reasons to Fight / Logical or Emotional
Lines 56-61: If we want to be free and keep the rights and privileges we have grown accustomed to, we have to fight. / Logical
Lines 70-72:
There are three million of us willing and able to fight. / Logical
Lines 72-74:
God will help us win. / Emotional
Lines 76-77:
It’s too late to back down. / Emotional
Line 78:
The war has already begun. / Logical
Lines 84-86:
Give me liberty or give me death. / Emotional

Which reason is the strongest? Explain.

Compose a persuasive speech in your Writer’s Notebook. Title the page, “My Persuasive Speech.”

Patrick Henry’s famous speech is a classic example of effective oratory, the art of public speaking. Using Henry’s speech as a model, write a three-to-five paragraph persuasive speech on a topic you feel strongly about. After writing the speech, highlight with the help of question #2 where your speech uses each of the three methods of persuasion: ETHOS, PATHOS, and LOGOS. You should have at least four examples of these methods and be sure that each method is represented at least ONCE in your writing.

A persuasive speech will…

present a clear argument

cite reasons and other evidence

use rhetorical devices

close with a strong statement