TOW #11: "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death"

On March 23, 1775, the Second Virginia Convention met at Richmond, Virginia, to discuss the growing revolution and the appropriate response to British actions toward the colonies. It was then that Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech urging for the colonies to form militias to defend themselves against the British, ending with the oft-quoted words "Give me liberty, or give me death!" The effects of this speech lasted not only through the American Revolution but spanned several centuries, with Henry's words still reverberating and being felt in today's modern world.

Henry begins his speech with a Rogerian appeal to the other side of the argument, by saying "Different men often see the same subject in different lights" (1). This appeal to his opponents is notable, as it improves the effectiveness of his argument by immediately opening the doors of conversation and debate between both parties. Furthermore, Henry defends his right of free speech by saying "I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve" (1). By adding this line shortly after, he makes his audience aware that he may say things they do not agree with, but he has a right to do so.

Patrick Henry uses questions (and sometimes answers) to engage his audience and point out again the logical fallacies which often come about when people think about solutions or diplomatic ways to deal with problems. As he asks "And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument?... Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing" (3), he suggests that all of the older proposed solutions are inadequate, subtly making his own argument seem more effective, as a sort of last resort or needed proposition. This method of questioning and answering puts the audience into a position where they are able to see the logic and reasoning behind the decisions made by Henry, and this proves to be an effective method in this speech.

By writing the last paragraph as a call to action and a rallying cry, Henry creates an effective conclusion, one which leaves his audience desiring to do something to help. Lines like "There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come!" (4) add to the urgency of the situation, demanding that action be taken to support Henry's cause. After long deliberation, it becomes clear that there is only one way to effectively solve the inevitable conflict, at least in Henry's mind.