Question

instructions
reread the excerpt from paragraph 5 of the speech. then answer the multiple - choice questions that follow.
from \speech to the second virginia convention\ by patrick henry
... three 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. it is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. gentlemen may cry, peace, peace but there is no peace.
the war is actually begun! the next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! 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!

1. think about the metaphor of chains (\our chains are forged!\). what is the most likely purpose of that metaphor?

□ a. the metaphor is intended to frighten the colonists into submission to britain.
□ b. the metaphor reminds colonists of the harsh way in which the british punish criminals
□ c. the metaphor is intended to warn colonists about the danger of going to war with britain
□ d. the metaphor reinforces the idea that the british will not grant freedom to the colonists.

1. near the end of the paragraph, patrick henry phrases his thoughts in the form of questions and exclamations. what purpose does that language

serve?
□ a. the language expresses henrys anger over the past actions of the british
□ b. the language captures henrys passion and his belief that now is the time for action.
□ c. the language encourages henrys audience to seek gods help in the coming war.
□ d. the language begs henrys audience to prepare to protect themselves and their families.

Explanation:

1. The metaphor "Our chains are forged" compares British control to physical chains, implying that freedom is already denied and cannot be granted by Britain.
2. Henry’s questions ("Why stand we here idle?") and exclamations ("give me liberty or give me death!") convey urgency and passion, urging immediate action against British rule.

Answer:

1. D. The metaphor reinforces the idea that the British will not grant freedom to the colonists.
2. B. The language captures Henry’s passion and his belief that now is the time for action.