Patrick
Henry, “Give
Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”
March 23rd , 1775;
Richmond, VA
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. 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. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. 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! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
I think that's the best speech, because it's addressing to the audience so it's better to convince the public. The title of this speech shocks. We can note rethorical questions and injonctions. Tragic undertones and exclamations show Patrick Henry's feelings.
RépondreSupprimerI totally agree with sixteen, except for the title of the speech. It's the position of "give me liberty or give me death" at the end of the speech which shocks besides its meaning, and not the fact that it is the title, because the listener doesn't know the title. This last sentence is a gripping punch-line which perfectly sums up the whole text.
RépondreSupprimerMorever,the use of the pronoun "we" adds force to his arguments.
In my point of view, Patrick Henry's speech is my favourite one.
RépondreSupprimerFirst of all, as Charlène said, he adresses his audience including himself, with a "we", so that he can persuade them as if they were all equal.
Moreover, the repetition of rethorical questions shows how determined he is.
Finally to answer on the question of the title, I agree with Charlène and Sixteen because it sums up the speech but it is also direct, like a slogan.
In my opinion, Patrick Henry wrote one the most convicing text that we have on the blog. Because we can see that he believes in what he say. When he asks rethorical questions it seems like he is really angry against Great Britain and his governement. Even at the title we can see that he will never change is opinion about liberty. Moreover he use religion with hability.
RépondreSupprimerI think that the best text is the Patrick Henry's one because he use rhetorical questions and exclamations in the best graduation way. And as Arthur said, he use religion with ability. The title shaw that he will never change one's mind. he is determinate and we can really feel it.
RépondreSupprimerI think that this is the best speech of the blog because it's the most expressive one and we can see with all the the "we" that Patrick Henry wants to unify America.
RépondreSupprimerHe also used rhetorical questions and repetions to emphasize it.
The title shaw a determination and also permitted to captivate the attention of the orators.