Patrick Henry
Speech in the Virginia Convention
Lesson Objectives
 Learn to appreciate oratory
 To understand persuasive techniques
 To learn to identify parallelism in
literature
 To create a written persuasive speech
using the persuasive techniques of
Patrick Henry
General Objectives with the
District Curriculum
General Objective #CA-E3-1
The student will: Analyze specific
subject matter through a variety of
oral and written presentations. (KS
Embedded Concept Map
Biography
 The life of Patrick Henry
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/henry.htm
Charged Words
 Charged words are words with strong
connotations beyond their literal meaning that
are likely to produce an emotional response.
 Tyranny (evokes a feeling of fear, suggests living in
a state of terror)
 Liberty (suggests an ideal life characterized by
freedom)
 Justice (can be associated with freedom and
equality)
 Honor (evokes a sense of morality and dignity)
Oratory
 A form of public speaking
 A qualified speaker
 Contents of speech for emphasis include:





Rhetorical questions
Restatement
Repetition
Parallelism
Exclamation
Rhetorical question
 Rhetorical question/questions are the
questions the speaker asks the audience.
However, the audience internalizes the
answer. Nothing is answered orally.
Restatement
 Restatement is stating the same idea in
different words
Repetition
 Repetition is repeating the exact same
words over again.
Parallelism
 Parallelism refers to the repeated use of
phrases, clauses, or sentences that are
similar in structure or meaning. Writers
use this technique to emphasize
important ideas, create rhythm, and
make their writing more forceful and
direct.
Exclamation
 Also used in some speeches is the use of
the exclamation (or highly emotional or
provocative statements)
Patrick Henry’s Speech
 Things to listen for:
 Charged words
 Rhetorical questions
 Restatement
 Repetition
 Parallelism
 Exclamation
 How does he meet the qualifications for a
persuasive speaker?
Understanding Parallelism
 Faulty Parallelism
“For my own part, what ever anguish of spirit it
my cost, I am willing to know the whole truth:
to know the worst and I will provide for it.”
 Effective Parallelism
“For my own part, whatever anguish of spirit it
may cost, I am willing to know the whole
truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
Identifying Parallel Structure
 Directions: Circle the parallel elements in each of the following sentences.
 Are we disposed to be of the number of those who having eyes
see not, and having ears hear not?
 Ask yourself how this gracious reception of our petition
comports with those warlike preparations which cover our
waters and darken our land.
 They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other.
 Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have
produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have
been disregarded.
Identifying Parallel Structure
(continued)
 Directions: Circle the parallel elements in each of the following sentences.
 If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those
inestimable privileges. . .,if we mean not basely to abandon the
noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged…,we
must fight!
Revising Sentences for
Parallel Structure
 Directions: Rewrite the following sentence so that all elements are
parallel.
 Patrick Henry stirred the colonists to action
through emotional appeals to patriotism, by
threatening loss of freedom, and by logically
arguing about Britain’s goals.
Revising Sentences for
Parallel Structure
 Directions: Rewrite the following sentence so that all elements are parallel.
 Compromise, arguing, and making petitions are
not workable solutions to Henry.
Revising Sentences for
Parallel Structure
 Directions: Rewrite the following sentences so that all elements are
parallel.
 Patrick Henry boldly and with much drama
urged armed resistance to England.
Revising Sentences for
Parallel Structure
 Directions: Rewrite the following sentences so that all elements are
parallel.
 His speech is not only remembered for its
stirring words but is also valuable as a slice of
history.
Understanding Persuasive
Techniques
 Directions: Identify the following passages as logical
argument or emotional appeal.
 “I know not what course other may take; but as for me,
give me liberty or give me
death.”__________________________
 “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!
In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond
hope of peace and reconciliation.”________________
Understanding Persuasive
Techniques
 Directions: Identify the following passages as logical
argument or emotional appeal.
 “Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone.
There is a just God who presides over the destinies of
nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles
for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to
the vigilant, the active, the brave.” ________________
Recognizing Oratory
 Directions: Find an example of the following from Patrick Henry’s speech:
 Rhetorical Question
Recognizing Oratory
 Directions: Find an example of the following from Patrick Henry’s speech:
 Restatement
Recognizing Oratory
 Directions: Find an example of the following from Patrick Henry’s speech:
 Repetition
Recognizing Oratory
 Directions: Find an example of the following from Patrick Henry’s speech:
 Parallelism
Recognizing Oratory
 Directions: Find an example of the following from Patrick Henry’s speech:
 Exclamations:
Constructed Response
Question
 Why does Patrick Henry begin his speech
with this statement: “With all due respect, I
have a different opinion”?
Persuasive Essay
Assignment: Your are going to write a rebuttal to Patrick
Henry’s speech, taking the side of a British supporter.
First, fill out the graphic organizer.
Second, create a one word noun outline.
Third, your essay must have one example of each of the
following persuasive devices: parallelism, rhetorical
question, restatement, repetition, and exclamation.
Fourth, write and edit a rough draft
Fifth, write a final draft
Sixth, read the final draft in front of the class
Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer
Statement to be argued
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Scoring Guide
The paper has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
It contains a strong controlling idea.
It clearly addresses the topic and uses the persuasive devices
adequately.
The language is precise and vivid.
Sentences are strong,, have clarity and are varied in structure.
Effective use of literary and stylistic techniques.
Writer is in control of task and clearly demonstrates a focused
awareness of both audience and purpose.
There are very few errors in grammar/usage, punctuation,
capitalization, and spelling.
Lesson Summary
References
Literature, The American
Experience. Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey:Prentice Hall, Inc.
Career
Opportunities
Lawyer
Politician