Give me liberty, or give me death!
by patrick henry

richmond, virginia
march 23, 1775

mr. president: no man thinks more highly than i do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. but different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, i hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as i do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, i shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. this is no time for ceremony. the question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. for my own part, i consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. it is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to god and our country. should i keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, i should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which i revere above all earthly kings.

mr. president, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. we are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? for my part, whatever anguish the worst, and to provide for it.

i have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. i know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. and judging by the past, i wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the british ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been to solace themselves, and the house? is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? let us not deceive ourselves, sir. these are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. i ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? has great britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? no, sir, she has none. they are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. they are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the british ministry have been so long forging. and what have we to oppose to them? 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 been all in vain. shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? what terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? let us not, i beseech you, sir, deceive

part a

in the speech, what is henry’s view of reconciling with the british?

reconciliation is a likely outcome that will take longer than anticipated to make a reality.

reconciliation is a risky endeavor that requires more skill than the colonists possess.

reconciliation is a hopeful illusion that becomes more costly the longer it is indulged.

reconciliation is a worthy idea that has been destroyed by mistakes made by the colonists.
question 2
part b

how does henry support his point of view as described in part a?

he uses imagery and references mythology to provoke an emotional response.

he refers to the achievements of other nations as an example by which to act.

he asks questions that require the colonists to debate among themselves.

he purposely misleads the colonists to create an overwhelming sense of confusion.