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:
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 the 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 numbenof 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 of spirit
it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know
the worst, and to provide for it.
Which best explains the purpose of the rhetorical device used in this excerpt?