Henry Pieces – Focused Rhetorical Analysis

Name: Sunny Duebbe

Date: September 22, 2025
Period: 1

Audience: Independent, wealthy male farmers, new Americans who might ratify the Constitution.
Henry’s purpose: He wants them to reject the Constitution because it allows for tyranny.

1. Regarding the first sentence's four-word alliteration: Why is it useful for Henry’s overall
purpose to unify these four words in the reader’s subconscious mind?
The alliteration in the phrase binds the ideas of ambition, abilities, army, and absolute together in the
audience’s minds, making them inseparable. This helps Henry show that leadership traits, when paired
with military control, can become dangerous. By linking the words, Henry uses rhythm and sound to
emphasize the natural slide from personal ambition into tyranny. The choice of strong, loaded words
makes the threat feel real and urgent. Overall, this rhetorical move strengthens Henry’s argument that
unchecked power will inevitably lead to oppression.

2. Apply the same analysis of alliteration to the second sentence.

In the second sentence, the alliteration of 'address' and 'attached' shows how easily the army could be
swayed by a persuasive leader. This highlights that charisma can be as dangerous as brute force in
winning loyalty. The sound repetition makes the connection memorable, warning listeners that even
charm can lead to tyranny. Henry uses this device to suggest that a skilled manipulator could just as
easily destroy liberty. It furthers his purpose by stressing that Americans should not trust the presidency
with such unchecked influence.

3. If you were writing a rhetorical analysis essay, which of your above analyses would you
rather include, #1 or #2, if you could only include one of them? Why?
I would include analysis #1 because it is broader and connects more ideas together. The four-word
alliteration ties both character traits and political consequences in a single phrase, which is rhetorically
powerful. It also shows Henry’s skill in making the danger of tyranny feel unavoidable. Because the first
example has more impact, it would give an essay stronger evidence. Overall, the analysis of the first
sentence more effectively demonstrates how Henry uses sound and language to convince his
audience.

4. Look at the first four and last nine words of this section. He begins and finishes the
paragraph with his own clear reactions. With regard to the specific function of the paragraph
and his overall purpose for the speech, why does Henry do this?
Henry begins and ends the paragraph with his personal reactions to highlight his own passion. This
structure gives the impression that his outrage is so powerful it cannot be contained. By framing his
argument with emotion, he makes his warning feel personal and sincere. It also signals to the audience
that the threat is not just theoretical but deeply alarming. Overall, this technique reinforces Henry’s
purpose of persuading the audience to fear tyranny and reject the Constitution.

5. Analyze the function of the parenthetical statement in the first line.

The parenthetical phrase appeals to unity and majority opinion. Henry claims that most of the
convention agrees with him, pressuring the audience to conform. This tactic boosts his credibility by
suggesting he is not alone in his fears. It also makes the argument feel safer to accept since others
already share it. By using this strategy, Henry cleverly combines ethos and pathos to strengthen his
persuasion.

6. The first sentence is an appeal to ______ [ethos, pathos, logos], but it is flawed because:
The first sentence is an appeal to logos because Henry presents a supposed logical chain of events.
However, it is flawed since it assumes that a president will automatically turn corrupt without
considering safeguards. Henry’s argument falls into slippery slope reasoning rather than fact. He plays
more on fear than on evidence or realistic outcomes. Thus, while appearing rational, the logic is
actually weak and manipulative.

7. Look back at the very first sentence of this paragraph (top). Combined with the first three
sentences of this section, what general assumptions about human nature are being made here?
Henry assumes that humans are naturally selfish and driven by ambition. He suggests that leaders will
always prioritize power over morality. His argument implies that people cannot be trusted to restrain
themselves once authority is in their hands. This reflects a pessimistic view of human nature, seeing
corruption as inevitable. By presenting this assumption, Henry strengthens his case against granting
too much executive power.

8. Often we worry most about the tendencies in others that we first see in ourselves... What
might be one of Patrick Henry’s personal flaws? Explain your reasoning.
One of Henry’s personal flaws might have been paranoia or distrust of authority. His speeches
repeatedly reveal a deep suspicion of power in others. This could mean he struggled to imagine
leadership that was not corrupt. Such thinking suggests he projected his own fears or insecurities onto
political systems. Therefore, while effective as rhetoric, his arguments may also reveal his personal
inability to trust.

9. Questions 1 through 5 ask you to complete tasks relevant to rhetorical analysis. Questions 6
through 8 do not. Explain the difference.
Questions 1 through 5 are strictly rhetorical analysis because they examine devices Henry uses. They
look at techniques like alliteration, structure, and appeals. In contrast, questions 6 through 8 focus more
on logic, human nature, and Henry’s psychology. Those questions do not analyze how Henry
persuades but rather what assumptions or flaws exist in his thinking. Thus, the key difference is
rhetorical analysis studies method, while the others study meaning and mindset.

Bonus: Find and quote briefly five rhetorical strategies that the two Henry pieces share in
common.
1. Alliteration – 'ambition and abilities' links sound and meaning. 2. Rhetorical questions – 'What will
then become of you and your rights?' forces reflection. 3. Appeals to fear – warnings of 'absolute
despotism' spark anxiety. 4. Juxtaposition – comparing a president to a king highlights danger. 5. Direct
address – using 'sir' and 'you' personally involves the audience.