Question

Select the correct answer.

Read this excerpt from Patrick Henry’s speech “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” What is the main idea of the text?

We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free—if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending—if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained—we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

A. The Continental Congress should appoint Henry president of the colonies.
B. The king of England should stop taxing the colonists and should listen to them more.
C. The colonists have no other choice but to prepare for war if they want freedom.
D. The colonists should continue peaceful negotiations with the British king and citizens.

Answer 1

The main idea of the text is:

C. The colonists have no other choice but to prepare for war if they want freedom.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patrick Henry was an important figure in the American Revolution. He lived from 1736 until 1799. In this excerpt of "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," Henry claims that England has refused to listen to the colonists. The colonists have explained, asked, appealed, all to no avail. Now, according to Henry, since England will not treat them fairly, will not give them more freedom, it is time to fight. "If we wish to be free . . . we must fight!" War will be the only solution - as we know it indeed was - for America to gain freedom.