Patrick Henry's Speech Analysis

In his speech to the House of Burgesses at the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry acquires the delegates’ trust and is able to sensibly reason with them to secede from the deceptive sovereignty of Great Britain as he appeals to their fervor.
As Henry establishes his credence, he is able to gain the House’s trust in his words by appealing to their morality. Before addressing his own interests, he strategically acknowledges the audience’s perspective first. Henry affirms his veneration for the men in the House, for he says, “no man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house” and acknowledges the men’s statuses as respectable patriots. Throughout the speech, …show more content…
Additionally, Henry alludes to the Bible, expressing both his and the nation’s responsibility to abide by God as a moral duty. Henry demonstrates his dedication to Him when referring to God as the “Majesty of Heaven.” By this, he subtly denounces the authority of kings and insinuates that submissiveness to kings is a treachery to God, challenging the audience’s morality. In addition, he alludes that he is guided by “the lamp of experience,” which is the light or the truth that God speaks. Revealing his commitment of spirituality to God, Henry indicates that this “lamp” will act as a light to guide the way for the future. His unquestionable passion convinces the audience that he speaks for the betterment of the nation, not himself, and is therefore trustworthy. Henry’s devotion and fervor to liberty is truly evident when he is “willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and to provide for it” and at “whatever anguish of spirit it may cost.” He defends himself that he is fighting for what is right for the United States and because he is so willing to know all sides to the dispute, he shows that he is not prejudiced. Justifying his right to give his judgments, Henry argues, “should I keep