adapted from Speech to Second Virginia Convention (1775)by Patrick Henry     No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.     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 number 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.8Read the sentence from the passage.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.How does the phrase till she transforms us into beasts affect the tone of the passage? A. It conveys an empowering tone by implying that people must rise up to the occasion. B. It conveys a critical tone by implying that inaction results in a harsh truth. C. It conveys a hopeless tone by portraying an inevitable and trapped circumstance. D. It conveys a frightening tone by portraying humans as animals.

by Patrick Henry     No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.     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 number 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.17Which sentence from the passage best demonstrates the author's use of "false dilemma," an argument that unfairly limits the choices that exist? A. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? B. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. C. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. D. 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.

Which sentence from Patrick Henry’s Speech to the Virginia Delegates best represents an attempt to appeal to logos to persuade the reader?A.I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.B.Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty?C.I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!D.Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.SUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Read the first sentence from Patrick Henry's speech:No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House.What appeal does he primarily use here?A.LogosB.MetaphorC.EthosD.DictionSUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Read the following excerpt from a 1775 speech by Patrick Henry in which he presents his ideas concerning the American colonists' relationship with Great Britain:Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done every thing 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. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne!What is most likely the author's purpose in this section of the speech?A.To build a sense of trust with his audienceB.To suggest the need to sue for peaceC.To rationalize the need to resort to warD.To reflect upon the challenges enduredSUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Read the following excerpt from a 1775 speech by Patrick Henry in which he presents his ideas concerning the American colonists' relationship with Great Britain: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? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.Which best explains the purpose of the rhetorical device used in this excerpt?A.The allusion to Judas's betrayal of Jesus with a kiss appeals to the audience's sense of logic.B.The strong appeal to pathos urges the audience to follow their passions rather than their reason.C.The imagery of the British receiving the petition with a smile illustrates ambiguity of the situation.D.The metaphor of a lamp to represent experience implies that Henry has an authoritative awareness of the topic.