25. Speech before the Virginia Convention (Patrick Henry)

The lesson, step by step

1. Words and meanings

   Before reading, find these words in the selection and look up any your student does not know: illusions, siren, arduous, remonstrated, supplicated. The book's notes say that emphasis, more than anything else, decides the falling inflection here, and that strong emphasis is sometimes shown by a whisper and often by a pause.

2. About the author

   The book says Patrick Henry (1736-1799) was born in Hanover County, Virginia. Largely self-taught, he failed in business, then studied law for six weeks and was admitted to the bar. His eloquence made his name; he sat in the Virginia Legislature and the Congress of 1774, was Governor of Virginia during the Revolution, and opposed adopting the Federal Constitution.

3. Read it aloud

   Read the opening together:

   It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope.

   Your student reads the whole speech, building to the end:

   Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?

   Forbid it, Almighty God!

   I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.

4. Talk about it

   SayWhat "illusions of hope" does Henry warn against?

   SayHe asks many questions. Why use questions instead of statements?

   SayWhat does he say the colonies have already tried, and why does he think war cannot be avoided?

   SayThe notes say strong emphasis is sometimes shown by a whisper or a pause. Where would you use one?

5. Tell it back

   Your student gives Henry's argument in their own words, in four or five steps.

6. Copywork and memory

   Copy and learn the last three sentences, from "Is life so dear" to "give me death."

7. Write (optional)

   The book suggests reading a good history of the opening of the Revolution. Read about the Virginia Convention of 1775 and write a paragraph on what happened next.