Rhetorical Language How do speakers and writers use words to convince us? How do we convince others through speaking and writing?

Devices: Logos – the use of logical appeal (common sense) Includes facts, statistics, etc. Pro: Usually the most effective argument because logos relies on factual data Con: “Factual” data can be presented out of context or fabricated entirely. Logos minimizes the human element. Ethos – (ethical) appeals to someone’s moral values or sense of what is right and wrong Pro: Can be extremely effective, especially among those who share common values Con: Not everyone has the same beliefs, but ethical arguments assume that is the case Pathos – emotional appeal; the most widely used; includes strong language Think about TV commercials… Pro: Helps us to remember the human element in any argument Con: By far the most unreliable because emotional arguments are not always grounded in facts. Our feelings can be easily manipulated.

Find this quote in the speech, and annotate it: “Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, 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.” Ethos: Henry’s suggestion that he would be guilty of treason if he didn’t speak out appeals to listeners’ sense of morals, as treason is a major offense. Pathos: Allusions to religion are almost considered pathos/emotional. Henry labels himself a sinner if he doesn’t argue.

Make a mental note: Henry’s speech contains little, if any, logos or logical appeal. Why do you think this is? (We will look for logos in “The Declaration of Independence” and The Federalist.)

Devices: Rhetorical questioning – questions meant to prove a point. Find this quote in the text, and annotate it accordingly: “They tell us sir, that we are weak… But when shall we be stronger?” –Patrick Henry Henry says the longer the colonists allow the British to control them, the weaker the colonists will become. Therefore, it is pointless to hold off a rebellion because it will only prove more difficult later on.

Devices: Parallelism – a set of words, phrases, or sentences, which follow a pattern. Annotate Henry’s speech accordingly: “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” The last two phrases emphasize Henry’s main idea throughout the speech: A life under Britain’s subjugation is no life at all.

Devices: Diction – the use of carefully chosen, powerful words to make a point. Annotate accordingly: “ Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!” Henry uses terms that compare Britain’s relationship with the colonists to that of a slave and slave-holder. (Side note: The irony seems to have been completely lost on the audience.)

Devices: Repetition – repeating the same words or phrases to emphasize a point. Annotate: “…we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!” Henry saves this strong statement until after he presents a series of emotional arguments, in which he points out that although Britain pretends to listen to their complaints, King George III continues to increase British military presence in the colonies.

Independent Practice: Find another example of ethos (ethical appeal), and annotate it. Find one more example of pathos, and annotate it. Find another rhetorical question, and annotate it.

Closing: Present one of your findings in a constructed response. State the rhetorical device you found and quote it. Transition into your analysis of it. If you simply paraphrase the quote as your analysis, you will lose 50 points automatically.