Composition

Patrick Henry begins his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech by addressing the members and saying that he feels it is his duty to do his best to help them arrive at the right decision and fulfill their responsibility to their country and to God. In this way, Henry starts his speech by highlighting to the audience their moral obligation to consider all views and find the right course of action. By referring to those who spoke before him, Henry places his speech in a wider context and allows the audience to get used to the idea that he will present an opposing point.

In the first part of his speech, Henry focuses on past experience. He urges the audience not to be misled by their hopes for the future and fail to see the reality of the present. In this light, he focuses on the treatment the Thirteen Colonies ...