PATRICK HENRY

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS
Some notes and observations on your outlines
 Areas for Improvement
THE INTRODUCTION
• Grabbers
• Should be general
• Start with a quote from the speech
• A fact or interesting idea related to the speech
• Background Information
• You need to explain why the men were at the convention
• Include the exact date of the speech
• Thesis – answer the prompt!!!
• Include purpose of speech + devices
 Every raging wildfire begins with a spark; like a
wildfire, every great rebellion begins with a spark.
Prior to the American Revolution, Patrick Henry, on
March 20th of 1775, passionately addresses the
delegates of the Second Virginia Convention.
Through the use of allusion and metaphor Henry
evokes the emotion necessary to ignite the flames
of rebellion within the delegation convincing them
to engage in war against England.
Areas for Improvement
BODY PARAGRAPHS
• Topic Sentences – mini-thesis
• Should include device(s) + purpose

Example Thesis:
Through the use of allusion and metaphor Henry evokes the emotion necessary to
ignite the flames of rebellion within the delegation convincing them to engage in war
against England.
Example Topic Sentences:
1. Throughout his speech, Henry uses allusions to convince the delegates war with
England is the only way to independence.
2. Henry also uses metaphors to ignite the men in attendance to declare war
against England.
Areas for Improvement
BODY PARAGRAPHS
• You need to introduce your evidence with strong power verbs:
• Claims, declares, emphasizes, argues, asserts, states, insists, emphasizes.
In the first paragraph, Henry employs the use of juxtaposition when he declares,
“Should I keep back my opinions at such a time…I should consider myself as guilty of
treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of
Heaven.” Henry, by juxtaposing their duty to their country to that of their God, places
a significant amount of severity and urgency on the issue of engaging in war by
reminding the delegates that they have a great responsibility to their God and their
country.
Areas for Improvement
BODY PARAGRAPHS
• Your analysis needs to relate back to how this device convinces the delegates to go to
war.
In the last paragraph, Henry uses a metaphor when he claims, “The next gale that
sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!” In this
metaphor he says a storm is coming.
-or-
In the last paragraph, Henry uses a metaphor when he claims, “The next gale that
sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!” With this
comparison of the England to a strong storm, he hopes to show the delegates the
importance of acting quickly. The men must declare war before the storm that is
England destroys them first.
Areas for Improvement
• No contractions

• No things

• No “we” – you were not there

• No “you” – I was not there

• Please include transitions:

• Another example Henry uses…
• Henry also uses a metaphor when he argues….
• Finally, Henry employs the a metaphor in the last paragraph
To do now…