The fourth paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments ( Refutatio).The Narratio contextualizes the argument, presenting any background information necessary, while the Confirmatio explains the evidence that supports the thesis. The third paragraph provides the statement of fact ( Narratio) and argument ( Confirmatio).The Exordium attempts to engage the audience, to prepare them for the message to come, and to explain the purpose (thesis) of the speech. The first two paragraphs form the introduction ( Exordium).This text divides into four sections aligned to the arrangement of classical argument.

The provenance of the speech notwithstanding, Henry’s words provide a rich source to study rhetorical strategies and classical argument, and that study is the focus of this lesson. For an electronic version of Wirt’s book, visit this link: Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry. Wirt drew upon materials collected beginning in 1808, including interviews with those who knew Henry and those who were present when the speech was delivered. This speech was recreated in 1817 by William Wirt of Maryland, who published the first biography of Patrick Henry. In an environment of digital media and world-wide instant communication, students may wonder how Henry’s words were preserved. The text of this speech is well known less well known is the fact that there was no actual transcript created of Henry’s speech - after all, these discussions smacked of treason, and keeping a written record would have been dangerous. The speech includes several Biblical allusions - revolutionary rhetoricians often used Biblical references because it allowed them to speak more strongly against Britain without using overtly treasonous speech. While the speech can be used to investigate issues of freedom, power, and rights of the governed, this lesson focuses upon effective rhetoric. This is a persuasive speech, one intended not only to present an argument but also to persuade the audience to act. In this lesson students will deconstruct Patrick Henry’s famous speech to explore the tools of effective persuasion, including appeals, rhetorical strategies, and classical argument.

Key Concept 3.1 (IIB) (arguments about rights of British subjects, the rights of the individual,…).

ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6 (determine author’s point of view).

ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4 (determine the meaning of words and phrases).

ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1 (cite evidence to analyze specifically and by inference).

In this speech Patrick Henry (1736–1799) uses powerful rhetoric to convince influential, affluent, landed men of Virginia with much to lose to move past their current diplomatic posture opposing British aggression to the more treasonous one of open military preparedness.

Virginia ranked among the largest, wealthiest, and most populous colonies in 1775, and her political and military support for independence would be crucial for success. While there had been unrest and resistance in Massachusetts with scattered acts of support from other areas, no organized movement toward revolution existed across the Colonies. In 1775 American independence was not a foregone conclusion. What arguments, appeals, and rhetorical strategies did Patrick Henry use in 1775 to persuade reluctant members of the Second Virginia Convention to develop a military response to British aggression? Understanding Text Analysis & Close Reading Questions.

War speech rhetorical moves