Patrick Henry's Biblically Charged Speech

Patrick Henry utilizes advance oratory skills, and various literary devices to illustrate his "Give me Liberty or give me death!" speech to members of the Virginia legislature. Henry possesses an impressive ability to speak to the hearts of men. His fiery passion combined with biblical passages outline a common theme that implies God sanctions his cause. Henry uses metaphors to invoke prevocational images to give his words life, and foreshadowing to allude what is to come if decisive actions are not taken. Henry and many representatives in the Virginia legislative were slave owners. This encourages Henry to utilize slavery to instill fear and anger in these proud men because the mere thought of being considered a slave is unconscionable.
In the beginning of his speech, Henry very respectfully presents his argument to the president and the legislature at the second Virginia Convention. His challenge is to present abundantly radical ideas without alienating his audience as Henry states, "...no man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism." Some regarded him as non-patriotic because of his far-reaching ideas with respect to the parliament, King George III, and his position on going to war with England. Henry eloquently continues to address them by utilizing metaphors hoping to invoke logic and emotional responses. This is evident as Henry states, "...different men often see the same subject in different lights." Literally meaning men may not agree by which approach is the best to use, but never less all are patriots the same. Henry uses light as a metaphor for enlightenment and truth, alluding to its biblical connotations and connecting to his audience's strong belief in God.
As Henry moves forward in his appeal stating, "this is no time for ceremony" meaning time is of the essence, and this is not the time to be politically correct, but to present the facts as they are. Henry attempts to create both visual and symbolic imagery by inducing a strong emotional response by stating, "...this is a question of freedom or slavery." Implying this is a critical moment and that Virginians and America's freedom are at stake. Henry also alludes that the same privilege should be given by allowing him to speak freely stating, "...ought to be freedom of the debate." Henry cleverly uses "freedom" and 'slavery," knowing this will anger and psychologically stimulate many his audience to act.
Henry then shifts from personal responsibility to the accountability they all have to "...God and country." Henry makes a clear distinction between the authority of the "...the majesty of heaven" and "...earthly kings" and where his loyalty is placed. Henry also makes several relevant references to the bible, first by stating, "it is natural for man to indulge in illusions of hope." Meaning it is normal for men to wish for things, but it is fantasy to think freedom is achieved without action. Alluding to James 2:17, KJV, "thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." Henry continues and asks, "are we disposed ...of those who have eyes, and see not, and having ears, hear not," clearly referring to Ezekiel 12:2. Appealing to pathos by making an impassioned plea and ethos by increasing his credibility by use of the bible, and logos by using logic to appeal to their sense of reasoning. Henry utilizes biblical principles to appeal to his predominately-Christian audience making his case more persuasive.
The fourth paragraph is his most compelling argument regarding British behavior and lack of respect for the American plight. Henry begins by alluring to logic by stating, "the only light by which my feet are directed is the light of experience." Implying, any further attempts at reconciliation with the British will be in vain. Because their future is predictable judging by the treatment, they received in the past ten years. Henry then infers, "...that insidious smile" that "will prove to snare your feet," metaphorically meaning, the British are exploiting them and will pacify and ultimately set a trap they cannot escape. Then Henry makes a symbolically profound declaration stating, "suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss." Alluding to Judas Iscariot and the infamous kiss before betraying Jesus Christ. In essence telling them not to be seduced by British smiles, but to be prepared for the eventual kiss of death.
Henry continues advancing his arguments presenting evidence detailing how the British are making plans and preparation for war. While the colonist are so accommodating and willing to negotiate. Henry uses vivid imagery to make his position stating, "...our petitions comports" while "...warlike preparations cover our waters and darken our land." In an emotional appeal, Henry uses an evangelical cadence and his most striking biblical references yet to garner support from his addressees. His appeal is a call to action, by reaffirmation that God is aligned with and has pledged allegiance to America's cause. Henry places emphasis on God's ordained path for the America by asserting, "...God of nature have placed in our power." Henry further explicates and compares the mission as "...the holy cause of liberty" and that "we shall not fight alone." To accentuate that the cause is of Godly ordination Henry reiterates, "there is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations..."
Patrick Henry utilizes numerous literary techniques to strengthen his argument most notably Aristotle's ethical, emotional, and logical methods of persuasion. Having a profound knowledge of his audience's core values, Henry employs biblical verses and focuses it as the main theme of his speech. Henry recognizes that poignant biblical scriptures combined with an emotional, ethical, and logical testimony could excite men to take decisive action. His speech has such a magnificent impact on these men that when the speech is finished, many departed the convention speechless. Henry's speech was extremely effective in advancing his argument for American independence, and a crucial element in Virginia's participation in the Revolutionary War.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Henry, Patrick. “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” Speech to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775.