02.03 Structure as Rhetorical Strategy. Perry High School, Massillon ENGLISH 101

02.03 Structure as Rhetorical Strategy
1. What is the historical context of Henry’s speech? What is the basic
question being debated at the Virginia Convention?
a. The historical context of Henry’s speech is about the Virginia Convention.
The basic question was as to when they were going to break away from
Britain and become their own nation. This is supported by the quote:
“When shall we break away from the nation of Britain and forge our own
future.”
2. What evidence does Henry provide to support his claims? How effective
would this evidence be to his audience?
a. Supporting evidence can be found in quotes such as, “Let us not, I
beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that
could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have
petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have
prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition
to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament.” This
evidence is effective as he is speaking to convince them that they must
break the bond with the British. He is showing his intended audience that
Britain is a tyrannical power.
3. How does Henry refute the counterargument? Be specific and detailed.
a. The potential counter argument would be that they can argue their way to
independence; however Henry refutes this by saying: “Shall we try
argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we
anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing” He is saying that he is
tired of making the same mistake every time, and wants to fight and
remove the so-called British tyrannical rule over the colonies.