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.
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Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
What main claim is the author making in the first paragraph?
(1 point)
Responses
that to be considered a “gentleman,” one must also speak frankly as well as with restraint
that to be considered a “gentleman,” one must also speak frankly as well as with restraint
It would be treason against his country if he didn’t speak for its freedom.
It would be treason against his country if he didn’t speak for its freedom.
It is treason to suggest that a country is behaving unfairly to another.
It is treason to suggest that a country is behaving unfairly to another.
One is not a patriot if one doesn’t speak freely.
1 answer
The main claim the author is making in the first paragraph is:
It would be treason against his country if he didn’t speak for its freedom.
This interpretation captures Henry's assertion that remaining silent out of fear would constitute a betrayal to both his country and a higher moral authority.
