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 numbers 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.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. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received?
Reflection:
In his “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!” speech, Henry uses persuasion, on logical, emotional, and ethical levels, to convince Americans to become part of a revolution. Logic reasoning is incorporated as Henry explains to the community that he has seen this happen before, and that he knows exactly what Britain intends to do. Additionally, he points out that there is no one around for the British army to protect them from, and that Britain does not have an enemy anywhere nearby. Henry triggers the emotions of the community as he uses words with emotional undertones, such as ceremony, freedom, slavery, disloyalty, heaven, and kings, to express the way that Britain has taken advantage of America. Furthermore, Henry incorporates ethical reasoning into his persuasion as he states that it is a waste for America to sit by and let Britain enslave them. Therefore, it is evident that Henry successful integrated logic, ethic, and emotional reasoning.
Dear Diary,
Coming to America has been a wonderful experience. I have learned so many new things. Just the other day Beth taught me how to pick perfect flowers and arrange beautiful bouquets for mother. The people of the Virginia colony are so friendly. I am saddened that we do not travel to town more often. For the most part, Beth tutors me during the day and when she finishes her lessons we must complete our daily chores. Beth and I have a bad habit of running to town after all of our chores are done and we would be in so much trouble if anyone found out. Father is frightened because we are in a new place and he does not want us to lose our way or mingle with unrighteous individuals. Many a time, when we do sneak away, there are men who hold speeches that make the townspeople so very rowdy. The men speak of America gaining freedom from Britain, in fact, Mr. Henry's "Give me Liberty, or Give Me Death!" was read just yesterday. Frankly, the very idea of separating ourselves from Britain scares me to death. How would America survive without Britain? Would we have a Queen? Who would be Queen? Would the British military come to hurt us afterward? I love Britain, and I know that treason is wrong, so why do these men want to fight our motherland? I doubt we have much of a chance against Britain; it is so big and strong. Father agrees with these men, so much in fact that he has joined one of their clubs. It is called the Sons of Liberty, and father seems to think that his club will help America to become a country of its own. He says that we will make a new government and everything. Despite the fact that my father is a very smart man, I still have my doubts about making America a country of its own. But alas, I have only just arrived, what do I know about America? All I know now is that our long journey was well worth the trouble. I would never think for a minute of traveling back. Ah America, where the open fields are so beautiful and the fresh air is heavenly. Surely war will not strike this glorious land.
Reflection:
In his “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!” speech, Henry uses persuasion, on logical, emotional, and ethical levels, to convince Americans to become part of a revolution. Logic reasoning is incorporated as Henry explains to the community that he has seen this happen before, and that he knows exactly what Britain intends to do. Additionally, he points out that there is no one around for the British army to protect them from, and that Britain does not have an enemy anywhere nearby. Henry triggers the emotions of the community as he uses words with emotional undertones, such as ceremony, freedom, slavery, disloyalty, heaven, and kings, to express the way that Britain has taken advantage of America. Furthermore, Henry incorporates ethical reasoning into his persuasion as he states that it is a waste for America to sit by and let Britain enslave them. Therefore, it is evident that Henry successful integrated logic, ethic, and emotional reasoning.
Dear Diary,
Coming to America has been a wonderful experience. I have learned so many new things. Just the other day Beth taught me how to pick perfect flowers and arrange beautiful bouquets for mother. The people of the Virginia colony are so friendly. I am saddened that we do not travel to town more often. For the most part, Beth tutors me during the day and when she finishes her lessons we must complete our daily chores. Beth and I have a bad habit of running to town after all of our chores are done and we would be in so much trouble if anyone found out. Father is frightened because we are in a new place and he does not want us to lose our way or mingle with unrighteous individuals. Many a time, when we do sneak away, there are men who hold speeches that make the townspeople so very rowdy. The men speak of America gaining freedom from Britain, in fact, Mr. Henry's "Give me Liberty, or Give Me Death!" was read just yesterday. Frankly, the very idea of separating ourselves from Britain scares me to death. How would America survive without Britain? Would we have a Queen? Who would be Queen? Would the British military come to hurt us afterward? I love Britain, and I know that treason is wrong, so why do these men want to fight our motherland? I doubt we have much of a chance against Britain; it is so big and strong. Father agrees with these men, so much in fact that he has joined one of their clubs. It is called the Sons of Liberty, and father seems to think that his club will help America to become a country of its own. He says that we will make a new government and everything. Despite the fact that my father is a very smart man, I still have my doubts about making America a country of its own. But alas, I have only just arrived, what do I know about America? All I know now is that our long journey was well worth the trouble. I would never think for a minute of traveling back. Ah America, where the open fields are so beautiful and the fresh air is heavenly. Surely war will not strike this glorious land.
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