After hearing Henry's speech, one of the members of Henry's audience said that it made him feel "sick with excitement." Henry's rhetoric was powerful enough to change people's minds but also—perhaps more importantly—to stir their hearts. Use the tabs to learn about some of the rhetorical devices that Henry used to achieve this kind of effect on his audience.
Figures of Speech
Allusions
One of Henry's rhetorical tools was the use of figures of speech, words and phrases that describe one thing in terms of something else. A figure of speech is not meant to be taken literally; instead, it suggests meaning by appealing to our senses and emotions. In the example below, Henry uses a metaphor, a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison without using like or as.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging 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? 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.
Question
To what does Henry compare knowledge of the past?
He compares knowledge to a lamp that guides his feet.
Question
What metaphor does Henry use to caution his audience against trusting the British response to their petition?
He says that while experience guides one's feet, false hopes will be a "snare" or trap for them.
Along with metaphors, Henry uses allusions: references to people or events from religion, literature, history, or another branch of culture. To understand an allusion, you must be familiar with the person or thing it alludes to.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts.
Question
What allusion does Henry make to describe the dangers of false hope?
Henry combines two allusions that refer to stories in Homer's Odyssey: First, he compares false hope of peace to the song of a siren. The sirens were beautiful but deadly creatures that lured sailors onto the rocks with their enchanting song. Next, Henry refers to Circe, a goddess who had the power to transform people into animals.
