Excerpt from a speech by Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgesses
on March 23, 1775
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!
What literary device does Henry use in the excerpt?
understatement
Opersonification
rhetorical question
simile

Rhetorical question is the literary device used by Patrick Henry in the excerpt. A rhetorical question is a question asked not to elicit an answer but to make a point or emphasize a concept, as seen when Henry asks, 'Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have?'. This technique creates a dramatic effect and engages the audience.

Learn more about Rhetorical devices here:

https://brainly.com/question/42112560