Thursday, October 30, 2008

Text Analysis: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death; Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

Who is writing?
- Patrick Henry is the author of this primary document.

Who is the audience?
- The audience of this primary document is the President, but he was not specific on the name. It seems that this document refers to the king as well.

Who does the writer represent?
- Patrick Henry is representing his position on obtaining liberty. As he writes, he persuades the president by using Christian religion. He feels that the things they have tried did not work and will not work. He suggests that they fight Britain to restore their freedom and liberty.

What is being said and/or requested?
How is it being said, argued and/or requested?

- Henry is stating that it is crucial to fight the British and win back their liberty, as long as colonial power and wealth. He mentioned all the things they have tried in order to get back their liberty, but none of them have worked. He believes the only option left is to fight. He states, “If we wish to be free—we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!” Reading this I can feel that he is very passionate about fighting for his liberty along with others’ liberty. Not only that, Henry believes that they will not fight their battles alone. “There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.” He knows that God will help them win the war by providing people to help them fight.

What proof is being used to legitimize the request?
-Proof that Henry provides to legitimize the request is by saying that the British government has not taken notice of the petitions and requests they have made. He says that if they continue doing what they are doing nothing will happen. He believes that taking action can make a change. He mentions, “There is no retreat but in submission and slavery.” So basically if the colonists don’t do anything then they will become slaves to England. He does not want this to happen so he ends his document with, “give me liberty or give me death.” He would rather die then have his freedom and liberty taken away.


No comments: