Question

Read the following excerpt from a 1775 speech by Patrick Henry in which he

presents his ideas concerning the American colonists' relationship with Great
Britain:
Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the
last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the
subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every
light of which it is capable; but it has all been in vain. Shall
we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What
terms shall we find which have not already been
exhausted?
Which best explains the purpose of the rhetorical device used in this excerpt?
A. The use of parallelism draws attention to the many peaceful steps
the colonists have taken.
O B. The repetition of the words "sir" and "throne" emphasize the point
that the colonists are subordinate to Great Britain.
O C. The metaphor of a storm to represent the monarchy implies that it
is powerful and unpredictable.
O D. The strong appeal to ethos leads the audience to trust and agree
with the speaker.

Answer 1

The rhetorical device in Patrick Henry's speech exemplifies the unsuccessful peaceful efforts made by the colonists, implying the need for stronger measures through the use of parallelism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rhetorical device used in the excerpt from Patrick Henry's 1775 speech serves to emphasize the colonists' exhaustive attempts at peaceful solutions with Great Britain and to highlight the ineffectiveness of those attempts, thus justifying stronger action. The correct answer is A, as the use of parallelism underscores the various peaceful methods, such as argument and supplication, the colonists employed over the past decade, which had all been unsuccessful. The repetition of the processes they have gone through without any new results or terms to offer brings attention to the futility of their actions and suggests that radical change is necessary.

Answer 2

Answer: A. The use of parallelism draws attention to the many peaceful steps the colonists have taken