“Speech in the Virginia Convention”
By: Patrick Henry
Thematic Link
 Question that Henry addresses in his
speech is essentially:
 “Do we choose freedom, or do we choose
oppression?”
 British rule has become an intolerable
and untenable tyranny.
 To protect their right to be free, the
colonists must take a stand and openly
resist the British.
Reading and Analyzing
 Literary Analysis: Allusion
 “Trust It not, sir; it will prove a snare to your
feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a
kiss” (pg. 264).
 Henry wants the colonists to feel that they are on
the side of God, menaced by the forces of evil.

“betrayed with a kiss” is a biblical allusion to the
Apostle Judas, who betrayed Jesus. When soldiers
came to arrest Jesus, Judas identified him by kissing
him.
Reading and Analyzing
 Active Reading: Rhetorical Questions and
Persuasion
 Emotions Henry is trying to evoke through these
rhetorical questions and rational argument:

“Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and
reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be
reconciled that force must be called in to win back our
love?” (pg. 264).
 Questions are intended to evoke feelings of outrage;
the British government is treating the colonists
unfairly and dishonestly.
 The British say that they want reconciliation, but
their military activities suggest otherwise.
Reading and Analyzing
 Guide For Reading
 In lines 38-49 on page 264, Henry’s reason for
the British military buildup in America is that
the British intend to control the colonists by
force.
 Henry’s use of rhetorical questions to anticipate
the arguments of his opponents in lines 50-55 on
page 264 is an effective technique:



Grabs attention
Makes a deeper impression than simple statements
Persuades listeners that negotiating will not work
Reading and Analyzing
 Guide for Reading
 Henry is trying to convince his
listeners in lines 72-73 on page 266
when he says, “…we must fight! I
repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal
to arms and to God of Hosts is all that
is left us!” (pg. 266)
 To vote in favor of assembling an
army to defend itself against Britain.
Reading and Analyzing
 Active Reading: Rhetorical Questions and
Persuasion
 Lines 75-81 on page 266: Attitude that Henry
conveys toward people who argue that the
colonies are too weak to challenge the
British:


Sarcastic and scornful
Portrays those people as weaklings who
would “lie supinely on [their] backs” while the
British dominate them
Reading and Analyzing
 Guide for Reading
 Lines 74-94 on page 266; Reasons
Henry gives for taking military action
now:
 Waiting will weaken the colonists’
position
 The colonists are strong, and God
will bring allies to help.
 War is inevitable.
Reading and Analyzing
 Literary Analysis: Allusion
 Line 93, page 266: “Their clanking may be
heard on the plains of Boston!” (pg. 266)
 Henry alludes to recent events in Boston
where, in response to protests, the British
amassed troops to police the area.
 In contrast, this allusion is different from
the earlier allusion of Jesus’ betrayal,
which is religious, whereas this one
alludes to current events.
Reading and Analyzing
 Guide for Reading
 Emotions that Henry appeals to
with the last lines of his speech are
patriotism, courage, and religious
faith.
 “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet,
as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? Forbid it,
Almighty God! I know not what
course others may take; but as for
me, give me liberty, or give me
death!” (pg. 266)
Questions-Pg. 267
 1. After hearing Henry’s speech would you have voted to
prepare for war?
 Yes, the colonists should rebel against an unjust government
and defend themselves against the British troops.
 No, war should be avoided at all costs.
 Comprehension Check
 What does Henry warn the colonists about?
 He warns the colonists that the British are preparing to use
military force against them.
 He urges the colonists to take up arms against British rule.
Questions
Pg. 267
 2. In your view, what is the most convincing point
Henry makes in his argument?
 The oppressor is preparing to use force.
 Freedom is more important than even life itself.
 The colonists can wait no longer for a peaceful
resolution-they have waited long enough, and the
situation is getting worse.
Questions
Pg. 267
 4. Think about Henry’s famous statement, “Give me
liberty, or give me death!” Do you agree that liberty is
more important than life itself? Explain your answer
making sure to define your understanding of liberty
within it.
Questions
Pg. 267
 7. Patrick Henry argued that the actions of King
George III and the British Parliament posed major
threats to the liberty of the American colonists. In
your opinion, what are the major threats to the liberty
of Americans today?
 Examples: Greed, Poverty, Racism are major threats to
liberty today