Question

Which sentence provides the best description of Henry's use of rhetoric in the speech?

A. He uses exaggeration to describe the current state of affairs in the colonies.

B. He uses ethos to establish why his point of view is superior to the opposition's.

C. He uses a false dilemma by saying they either continue to have hope or give up their freedoms.

D. He uses rhetorical questions to lead the committee members into deciding to wage war on Britain.

Answer 1

The best description of Henry's use of rhetoric in the speech is: (B.) He uses ethos to establish why his point of view is superior to the opposition's.

What is the speech about?

Ethos is one of the three modes of persuasion in rhetoric and it involves appealing to the credibility, character, or authority of the speaker. This means that Henry relies on establishing his credibility, moral character, and authority to persuade the audience that his perspective is more valid and trustworthy than the opposing viewpoint.

Ethos is often built through references to the speaker's experience, integrity, and knowledge on the subject. In a speech, it might involve creating a sense of trust and credibility with the audience, making them more receptive to the speaker's arguments.