Group+Explanation

=Group Explanation = 

excerpts from **The Speech in the Virginia Convention**
 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 .**  Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. ** 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 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. 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.  The Speech at the Virginia Conference was presented by Patrick Henry before the onset of the Revolutionary War. His purpose was to warn the colonies of Britain’s deceit and expose the facts that would stimulate Congress to take action against the mother country. He alludes to both Greek Mythology as well as biblical reference. These types of references were alluded to, to convince Congress that their cause was just and that there was likely a deity that would support their actions. =Biblical Allusions =
 * Author's Purpose **

Henry alludes to Psalm 119:105 when he says, “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.” This statement carries parallels to the Psalm, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This allusion to the bible reinforces the idea that there is some type of deity that will support the American cause. Patrick Henry argues that the path is lit for them to break the forged chains of potential slavery and choose open and violent resistance. He claims that experience or the pattern of events demonstrates the fact that Britain was attempting to seize total control over the rebellious colonies. This guiding light is essential to convincing Congress to take action because the colonies are loosely bound and, therefore, Congress is subject to the will of the people in order to conquer the oppressor and gain freedom.

Another Biblical reference that Henry alludes to in his persuasive speech is when he says, "suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss." Henry uses this Biblical allusion to figuratively compare the colonists' acceptance of the British rule to the kiss that Judas gave to Jesus in his betrayal. The kiss that Judas gave to Jesus appeared to be a good action to those watching, however that was the first step towards Jesus's death. By using this metaphor, that the colonists accepting the British rule, they are being tricked into thinking that the British are their to help them, when truelly they were only waiting for the moment to strike against them. The kiss of betrayal that lead to the death of Jesus, is symbolical of the way the Britished turned ther backs on the colonist. **Mythical Allusion** <span style="font-size: 120%; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Patrick Henry is referring to the enchantress Circe who would fool men with her voice and before they knew what was happening to them, she had already turned them into swine. What Henry was trying to tell the people was not to be fooled by what Britain was saying or doing. That if they didn’t stop Britain while they have the chance to, Britain will keep disappointing them. Henry wants them to open their eyes and see that Britain is not giving them liberty and that they should fight for it. By alluding to Circe, Henry is saying to not just listen with their ears but see with their eyes as well, before they get trapped.