"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 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.

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 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.
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Answer 1

Based on the provided excerpt from Patrick Henry's speech, here’s how we can analyze the differences between the two texts highlighted in the question:

1. Personal Experiences: There is no indication from the passage that Patrick Henry references any personal experiences, nor do we have the content of the second text to evaluate if it references the author’s personal experiences or not.

2. Confidence in Action: Patrick Henry’s speech conveys a strong sense of urgency and confidence regarding the need for action against British oppression, clearly articulating his view that the time for debate has passed and action must be taken, signifying his belief in a specific course of action. Without the content of the second text, we cannot assess the level of confidence demonstrated there.

Since the full content of the second text is not included in your request, the analysis is largely dependent on the assumptions surrounding typical contrasts seen in such rhetorical works. If it's a piece advocating for an amendment, commonly it would focus on arguments or calls for action that may or may not display the same level of urgency or confidence.

Given these considerations and based on Patrick Henry's strong declaration, the most likely correct response from the provided options 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.

This response reflects Henry's assertive stance in his declaration and anticipates a more cautious or uncertain approach in a different context, which may align with the rhetoric often found in advocacy discussions. Without the content of the second text, however, this remains speculative.