PATRICK HENRY’S SPEECH TO THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION

known as a patriot and great orator

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Colonists were content with British rule, until…(mid 1700s)

After the French and Indian War, British troops stayed

In 1774, Britain passed a series of new taxes and restrictions

1st Continental Congress sent petitions, hoping to peacefully separate (1774)

2nd Continental Congress (1775) is held after no response from Britain

Patrick Henry thinks it is time to fight Britain

Read the text (page 262)

DESK SWAP

Get out one piece of paper. Choose a partner Turn desks so that you face one

another.

Question #1, Paragraph #1Does Henry develop ethos (connect with

the audience) effectively? Explain and offer examples.

The partner who is tallest will now find a new partner to work with.

The paper stays on the desk.

3RD PARAGRAPH

Do you agree that the best way to judge the future is by the past?

Explain, and include a supporting example.

The younger partner will now move to an empty desk on the opposite side of the room.

4TH PARAGRAPH

How do people use fear or other emotions (pathos) to motivate you?

The partner with the oldest shoes will now find a different partner.

7TH PARAGRAPH

Why do you think Patrick Henry waits until so late in his speech to make his point?

The partner with the shortest haircut will now move and work with someone new.

LINE 90

What are the Brits fighting for? What are the colonists fighting for? How will these goals affect their

abilities to fight?