Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death

Patrick Henry’s speech, “Give me Liberty, or Give me Death,” is an example of persuasive rhetoric. It is a call to action that utilizes a range of literary elements to evoke strong emotions in the listener and convince them of the necessity of war against Britain.

For example, Henry uses vivid images to create a sense of urgency and danger. In two separate places, Henry references a dark storm. Alluding to Britain’s military build-up, Henry remarks, “Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land” (83), comparing Britain’s actions to the shadow of storm clouds. His word choice implicitly urges listeners to prepare themselves for the oncoming storm. Henry later refers directly to a storm, saying, “Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on” (84). As a metaphor for war with Britain, the image of the storm implies inevitability; conflict becomes a force of nature that the colonies can only prepare for, rather than seek to prevent. This aids Henry in