Question

Read the following excerpt from Patrick Henry's 1775 "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech. Then, answer the question that follows.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?

Which statement best describes the purpose of the rhetorical question in this passage?

Patrick Henry is using a rhetorical question to emphasize the people's urgent need to fight back against the British.
Patrick Henry is using a rhetorical question to define the meaning of the word "brethren."
Patrick Henry is using a rhetorical question to compare the wind to peace.
Patrick Henry is using a rhetorical question to express something he doesn't really mean about fighting the British.

Answer 1

“Patrick Henry is using a rhetorical question to emphasize the people’s urgent need to fight back against the British.”

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

It would be “Patrick Henry is using a rhetorical question to emphasize the people’s urgent need to fight back against the British.” Imagine you and your friends are playing tag and you get tagged but just stand there. Someone would say “why just stand there?” To you to emphasize that you need to start running! It’s the same situation with different circumstances and more flowery language.