Speech of Hope

Tiana Mosley

Alexander

AP English Language and Composition – Period Three

26 September 2015

The Speech of Hope

In his speech at the Virginia Convention ,Patrick Henry urges the people to rise up against the British by constantly restating the British’s failures. It reminds the people they have lost their freedom through persuasive and inspiring diction. Through mythological and biblical allusions also detailed imagery. This produces a convincing method for the colonists to become seditious against the British. Henry highlights three major literary devices throughout his speech. These devices are persuasive diction, figurative language and structure. These three devices help to not only encourage the colonists to defend themselves but also give them a sense of hope and sooon freedom.

Patrick Henry was the only major influential figure the colonists had during this time. The colonists were at a monstrous disadvantage since they were trying to oppose one of the most powerful countries. Henry knew that he would have to use persuasive diction to help give the colonists that needed boost to rise up. The way Henry uses his persuasive diction shows the audience his true passion and dedication knowing they are against many odds ,he will fight for justice. He shows his use when he states “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the land of experience” (pg.188 Henry) With this statement he gives a type of optimism proving to the colonists that he has knowledge and background of fighting odds against him.

Another type of device Henry uses throughout his speech is Figurative Language. When you use figurative language it is using a word or expression with a meaning that is different from its actual interpretation. When he is consulting the people he uses to what comes his most infamous quote “..Give me liberty or give me death”(pg.190) . This quote correlates to figurative language by him not actually pertaining to death but to show that if he...