Reflection - Patrick Henry

The Rationalism writing style is know for using logic and reason to answer questions or explain things. It is very different from the writing style of the Puritans because it leaves religion, beliefs, and emotional feelings out of it to explain idea or situations, and to make decisions. In Speech to the Second Virginia Convention, written and spoken by Patrick Henry, there are several examples of how his speech exemplifies the Rationalism writing style. In the first part of his speech, Patrick Henry is beginning to discuss slavery and freedom (Henry 116).

"It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason toward my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere about all earthy kings." (Henry 117)

One of the key points to the Puritan lifestyle, which includes the writing style of the Puritans, is how involved their religion and God was in making any decision of any kind. In this statement, Patrick Henry comes right out and straight up says how he views the subject of bringing religion in the conversation (Henry 117). He makes it clear that while he does believe in God and views him as much higher above any human being, he does not want that personal information to offend anyone or give them the wrong impression. Patrick Henry obviously feels like bringing religion in as the main decider in a big decision or conflict is unecessary, and it is much better to let everyone keep their personal beliefs at home so they can focus on the conflict itself and trying to find a logical solution (Henry 117). I do believe that the fact that Patrick Henry even mentioned God leans a little on the side of the Puritan style of writing, but it is immediately followed by stating that it does not matter because it is not relevant to the rest of the speech.

Patrick Henry also makes another point in his speech that can lead the reader away from the idea that this was written in Puritan writing style and was obviously written to immatate the Rationalism style of writing. Patrick Henry is talking about how people sometimes close their eyes to bad situations and attempt to avoid them, hoping they will eventually go away (Henry 117). "For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it." I think that this can be considered an example of Rationalist writing because he is saying that he wants the truth and nothing but the truth. The Rationalists were very straight forward. The focused on having nothing but the raw facts, and Patrick Henry is saying how, no matter the consequences or what may happen, that is all he wants to hear.