Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
by Patrick Henry (excerpt)
One of the most famous speeches given in American history took place in a small church in Richmond, Virginia. In March, 1775, the Second Virginia
Convention met to discuss how Virginia was to deal with the growing threat from the British. In the audience were George Washington and Thomas
Jefferson. Thanks to Henry's rousing words, the delegates agreed to prepare for war
(1) This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than
a question of freedom or slavery, and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can
hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country....
(2) Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that
number of transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the
number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever
anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
(3) I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And
judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which
gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House.... Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those
warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown
ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war
and subiucation: the last arguments to which kinas resort. I ask gentlemen, sir what means this martial array if its purpose be not to force us to
5
Select the correct answer,
Read the excerpt from paragraph 2.
(2) Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song
of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed
to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?
Which statement correctly assesses whether Henry uses valid reasoning to support his claim?
OA. Henry's reasoning is valid because he uses pathos to ask compelling questions.
OB. Henry's reasoning is not valid because he uses a hasty generalization to support his claim.
OC. Henry's reasoning is valid because he describes a common-sense universal truth.
O D. Henry's reasoning is not valid because he uses a bandwagon appeal to support his claim.