"Patrick Henry Speech"

Question

by Patrick Henry

Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, 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.

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 those warlike 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. 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.

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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!

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death, Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

Question
Use the passages to answer the question. Select Passage 1 and Passage 2.

Which of these is a difference between the two texts?

(1 point)
Responses

The author of the first text references his personal experiences, while the author of the second text does not.
The author of the first text references his personal experiences, while the author of the second text does not.

The author of the second text is confident she knows that Congress should pass the equal rights amendment.
The author of the second text is confident she knows that Congress should pass the equal rights amendment.

The author of the first text is confident he knows what should be done, while the author of the second text is not.
The author of the first text is confident he knows what should be done, while the author of the second text is not.

The author of the second text references her personal experiences, while the author of the first text does not.
The author of the second text references her personal experiences, while the author of the first text does not.

Answer 1

To determine the correct answer to the question, we need to compare the characteristics and tones of the two texts being referenced (Passage 1 and Passage 2). The passage provided is Patrick Henry's speech, where his confidence and resolution are clear as he advocates for liberty against oppression.

1. The author of the first text references his personal experiences, while the author of the second text does not. - This may or may not be true, depending on what Passage 2 specifically discusses.

2. The author of the second text is confident she knows that Congress should pass the equal rights amendment. - This suggests a strong certainty from the author of the second text, but without knowing the content of Passage 2, we cannot evaluate this statement's accuracy.

3. The author of the first text is confident he knows what should be done, while the author of the second text is not. - Patrick Henry's confidence is apparent in his speech, but we need context about Passage 2 to assess how the author’s confidence compares.

4. The author of the second text references her personal experiences, while the author of the first text does not. - This would require knowledge about both passages, particularly if Passage 2 includes personal anecdotes.

Since we only have the text of Patrick Henry’s speech and not Passage 2, we cannot definitively determine the differences. However, based on the fact that Henry's tone is assertive and confident, while the second passage may present a different tone or perspective regarding confidence or personal experience, the third option seems plausible if Passage 2 suggests uncertainty.

Therefore, without the content of Passage 2, the best inference based on typical contrasts would be:

The author of the first text is confident he knows what should be done, while the author of the second text is not.

However, please keep in mind that this response relies on assumptions about the second passage since its content is not provided.