Question

In Patrick Henry's closing line, "What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" he uses this technique to compel listeners to join the cause:

A. Emotional appeal
B. Repetition
C. Rhetorical question
D. Anecdote

Answer 1

Patrick Henry uses rhetorical questions (option c) in his closing line to evoke a powerful emotional response, challenging listeners to value liberty over life or peace under oppression.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Patrick Henry's closing line, he employs the technique of a rhetorical question to compel listeners to join the cause of liberty. The use of this device is intended to provoke thought and challenge the audience into taking action, without expecting an actual response.

By questioning the value of life and peace when it costs one's freedom, he stirs the emotional pool of his listeners, urging them to realize that liberty is priceless and worth fighting for. Henry's impassioned plea emphasizes the unacceptable trade-off between liberty and enslavement, effectively rallying support for the American Revolution.

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect or to make a point, rather than to elicit an answer. Henry asks, 'What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?'

Answer 2

Patrick Henry uses the technique of C. rhetorical question to compel listeners to join the cause by engaging them in deep thought about the importance of liberty and freedom.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patrick Henry uses the technique of rhetorical question to compel listeners to join the cause in his closing line. By asking questions such as 'What is it that gentlemen wish?' and 'Is life so dear, or peace so sweet?' he engages the audience and prompts them to think deeply about the importance of liberty and freedom.

This technique is a form of persuasion that appeals to the audience's emotions and challenges their beliefs.

By posing questions that have obvious answers, Henry emphasizes the absurdity of choosing chains and slavery over life and peace.