Read the excerpt from Patrick Henry’s speech “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” What is the author’s purpose for using the rhetorical device you identified in the excerpt? I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. (1 point) Responses To make a clear connection between the past and the future To make a clear connection between the past and the future To explain a new idea using familiar terms To explain a new idea using familiar terms To help readers understand the difference between judgment and justification To help readers understand the difference between judgment and justification To ask a question for dramatic effect

Answer 1

The rhetorical device identified in the excerpt is the use of rhetorical questioning, specifically in the line, “I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes.”

The author’s purpose for using this rhetorical device is to make a clear connection between the past and the future. By referencing the actions of the British ministry over the past decade, Henry seeks to challenge the audience's optimistic views and to underscore the lack of justification for hope in positive change. This connection emphasizes the inevitability of consequences based on past behavior, thereby arguing for a call to action for liberty.