Unit Six Give me Liberty or Give me Death Patrick Henry I.Teaching Aims: 1.To have students learn more about American history:Patrick Henry and the Revolutionary War. 2.To get students learn how to write a forceful argumentative essay by analysing the text. 3.To teach students how to make a powerful speech. 4.To get students grasp the key words and sentence structures. II.Teaching Importance and Difficulties: 1.Understand the author's main purpose of writing the essay. 2.Know the writing strategies of the text. 3.Grasp the key language points in the text. III.Teaching periods:6 periods IV.Teaching steps: 1.Pre-reading activities 1)How much do you know about the War of Independence in the history of the United States? 2)Besides George Washington,what other important American historic figures do you happen to know?And how much do you know about them? 2.Information related to the text: About the author: Patrick Henry: -Born in Hanover County,Virginia in 1736 -Homeschooled -Obtained law license in 1760 -He argued that a king who would veto a law passed by a locally elected legislature was "a tyrant who forfeits the allegiance of his subjects."This was the beginning of his struggle to ensure independence for the 13 Colonies. -Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses -Wrote numerous speeches throughout his lifetime -The speech took place the same day the Revolutionary War began after British troops marched on Concord About the text: The Revolutionary War(1775-1783) Events: The French and Indian War(1754-1763) Sugar Act(1764),Stamp Act(1765),and other taxes Taxation without presentation The Boston Massacre (1770) The Boston Tea Party(1773) The First Continental Congress(1774) The Battles of Lexington and Concord(1775) The Second Continental Congress(1775)
Unit Six Give me Liberty or Give me Death Patrick Henry I. Teaching Aims: 1. To have students learn more about American history: Patrick Henry and the Revolutionary War. 2. To get students learn how to write a forceful argumentative essay by analysing the text. 3. To teach students how to make a powerful speech. 4. To get students grasp the key words and sentence structures. II. Teaching Importance and Difficulties: 1. Understand the author’s main purpose of writing the essay. 2. Know the writing strategies of the text. 3. Grasp the key language points in the text. III. Teaching periods: 6 periods IV. Teaching steps: 1. Pre-reading activities 1) How much do you know about the War of Independence in the history of the United States? 2) Besides George Washington, what other important American historic figures do you happen to know? And how much do you know about them? 2. Information related to the text: About the author: Patrick Henry: -Born in Hanover County, Virginia in 1736 -Homeschooled -Obtained law license in 1760 -He argued that a king who would veto a law passed by a locally elected legislature was "a tyrant who forfeits the allegiance of his subjects." This was the beginning of his struggle to ensure independence for the 13 Colonies. -Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses -Wrote numerous speeches throughout his lifetime -The speech took place the same day the Revolutionary War began after British troops marched on Concord About the text: The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) Events: The French and Indian War (1754-1763) Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act (1765), and other taxes Taxation without presentation The Boston Massacre (1770) The Boston Tea Party (1773) The First Continental Congress (1774) The Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775) The Second Continental Congress(1775)
Declaration of Independence(1776) The British army surrendered at Yorktown(1781) Treaty of Paris (1783;Britain recognizes U.S.Independence;Britain cedes all land west to the Mississippi between Canada and Florida to the U.S.;The U.S.agrees to return all confiscated property to loyalists and agreed to allow British merchants to collect debts owed to them) People: In favor of independence:Patriots Opposed to independence:Loyalists Some did not take sides:Neutralists John Adams:(1735-1826) -Writes and speaks of colonial rights to self government. -Believes in the Natural Rights of Man." -Defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre to show that American justice was superior to Britain's. Samuel Adams:(1722-1803) -Organizes against the Stamp Act -Creates the Sons of Liberty,Committees of Correspondence -Organizes the protest against the Boston Massacre -Organizes the Boston Tea Party. Benjamin Franklin:(1706-1790) -Most famous man in the Colonies -Writer,publisher,scientist,philosopher, -Represents the colonial view to parliament John Hancock:(1737-1793) -One ofthe richest men in the Colonies.-He smuggles. -Defended by John Adams when his ship the Liberty is seized by the British,he manages to avoid being caught as a smuggler. -Later,first to sign Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson:(1743-1826) -Member of the House of Burgesses -Founder of Virginia's Committees of Correspondence -Natural rights philosopher and writer. -Writes the Declaration of Independence 3.Detailed Study of the Text: Text Analysis The whole text can be divided into 4 parts. Part I.(para.1):It presents some background information,telling us about the orator's motive for his speech. Part II.(Para.2-Para.4):It points out the cruel truth about reality:The British ministry has not acted in a benevolent manner.Rather,Britain is accumulating navies and armies so as to force the Americans into submission.The orator advises the house to know the whole truth,to know the worst and prepare for it
Declaration of Independence (1776) The British army surrendered at Yorktown(1781) Treaty of Paris (1783; Britain recognizes U.S. Independence; Britain cedes all land west to the Mississippi between Canada and Florida to the U.S.; The U.S. agrees to return all confiscated property to loyalists and agreed to allow British merchants to collect debts owed to them) People: In favor of independence: Patriots Opposed to independence: Loyalists Some did not take sides: Neutralists John Adams: (1735-1826) -Writes and speaks of colonial rights to self government. -Believes in the “Natural Rights of Man.” -Defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre to show that American justice was superior to Britain’s. Samuel Adams:(1722-1803) -Organizes against the Stamp Act -Creates the Sons of Liberty, Committees of Correspondence -Organizes the protest against the Boston Massacre -Organizes the Boston Tea Party. Benjamin Franklin: (1706-1790) -Most famous man in the Colonies -Writer, publisher, scientist, philosopher, -Represents the colonial view to parliament. John Hancock:(1737-1793) -One of the richest men in the Colonies. - He smuggles. -Defended by John Adams when his ship the Liberty is seized by the British, he manages to avoid being caught as a smuggler. -Later, first to sign Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson: (1743-1826) -Member of the House of Burgesses -Founder of Virginia’s Committees of Correspondence -Natural rights philosopher and writer. -Writes the Declaration of Independence 3. Detailed Study of the Text: Text Analysis The whole text can be divided into 4 parts. Part I. (para. 1): It presents some background information, telling us about the orator's motive for his speech. Part II. (Para. 2-Para. 4): It points out the cruel truth about reality: The British ministry has not acted in a benevolent manner. Rather, Britain is accumulating navies and armies so as to force the Americans into submission. The orator advises the house to know the whole truth, to know the worst and prepare for it
Part III.(Para.5-Para.7):It argues for the speaker's sentiments eloquently and persuasively.The orator makes it clear that it is no use further arguing about the subject and resorting to entreaty and humble supplication,and that it is futile to indulge in the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. Part IV.(Para.8):It vividly draws attention to the actual situation and urgently calls on the American people to fight for freedom. Analysis Part I(Para.1): Discussion questions 1.Why does the speaker think that he should express his opinions boldly? To the speaker,America is at a critical juncture,and he thinks he is duty-bound to save his motherland and that he should be faithful to God.Should he hold back his opinions at such a time,through fear of giving offence,he should consider himself as guilty of treason toward his country,and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heave,which he reveres above all earthly kings. Language work 1.address:vt.to make a speech to a person or an audience,esp.formally e.g.: (1)The chairman will now address the meeting (2)The President is now addressing the nation. 2.house:n.a group of people who meet to discuss or pass laws e.g.: (1)In this speech,the house refers to the House of Burgesses,the representative assembly of colonial Virginia And here,the house is used as a case of metonymy.See more examples below. 3.No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism,as well as abilities,of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. No man admires more than I do the patriotism and abilities of the noble gentlemen who have just delivered speeches to the house. 4.sentiments:n.points of view,opinions;an attitude or opinion usually influenced by emotion e.g.: (1)What are your sentiments on this issue? (2)She made a speech full of lofty sentiments. 5.entertain:vt.to hold sth.in the mind or feelings e.g.: (1)She entertains some doubts about our scheme. (2)They entertain prejudices against us. 6.The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country The question the house is faced with is an issue of vital importance to this country. 7.And in proportion to the magnitude of the subject. in relation to the importance of the subject (or:in relation to the significance of the topic) 8.It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth,and fulfill the great
Part III. (Para. 5-Para. 7): It argues for the speaker's sentiments eloquently and persuasively. The orator makes it clear that it is no use further arguing about the subject and resorting to entreaty and humble supplication, and that it is futile to indulge in the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. Part IV. (Para. 8): It vividly draws attention to the actual situation and urgently calls on the American people to fight for freedom. Analysis Part I (Para. 1): Discussion questions 1. Why does the speaker think that he should express his opinions boldly? To the speaker, America is at a critical juncture, and he thinks he is duty-bound to save his motherland and that he should be faithful to God. Should he hold back his opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, he should consider himself as guilty of treason toward his country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heave, which he reveres above all earthly kings. Language work 1. address: νt. to make a speech to a person or an audience, esp. formally e.g.: (1) The chairman will now address the meeting. (2) The President is now addressing the nation. 2. house: n. a group of people who meet to discuss or pass laws e.g.: (1) In this speech, the house refers to the House of Burgesses, the representative assembly of colonial Virginia. And here, the house is used as a case of metonymy. See more examples below. 3. No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. No man admires more than I do the patriotism and abilities of the noble gentlemen who have just delivered speeches to the house. 4. sentiments: n. points of view, opinions; an attitude or opinion usually influenced by emotion e.g.: (1) What are your sentiments on this issue? (2) She made a speech full of lofty sentiments. 5. entertain: vt. to hold sth. in the mind or feelings e.g.: (1) She entertains some doubts about our scheme. (2) They entertain prejudices against us. 6. The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. The question the house is faced with is an issue of vital importance to this country. 7. And in proportion to the magnitude of the subject. in relation to the importance of the subject (or:in relation to the significance of the topic) 8. 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. Only in this way can we hope to reach the truth and perform the great commitment for which we are responsible for the sake of God and our country. 9.magnitude:n.a large size e.g.: (1)The magnitude of the epidemic was unexpectedly frightening. (2)You don't seem to appreciate the magnitude of her achievement. 10.treason:n.treachery to one's country;a treacherous act,ie.,an act of betraying one's country e.g.: (1)The traitor committed treason during the Anti-Japanese War. (2)The patriot would rather die than commit an offence of treason. 11.Should I hold back my opinions at such a time,through fear of giving offence,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 above all earthly kings. If I should withhold my opinions at such a moment for fear of causing offence,I should think myself a traitor who has committed a treachery to my country and who is a sinner of disloyalty toward God,whom I respect more profoundly than all earthly kings.(or:If I should remain silent at such a critical time,for fear of offending others, I should consider myself to be a man who has betrayed his own country and who has committed a sin of betraying God,whom I venerate more deeply than all kings on Earth.) Part II.(Para.2-Para.4): Discussion questions 1.According to the speaker,what should the wise gentlemen do? The wise men should neither shut their eyes against a painful truth nor listen to the song of that siren till she transforms them into beasts.They ought to see and hear the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation.Whatever anguish of spirit it may cost,the wise men should be willing to know the whole truth,to know the worst and to provide for it. 2.What is the actual situation America is confronted with? America is confronted with warlike preparations,which cover their waters and darken their land.British fleets and armies are in battle array,ready to overwhelm the Americans.They are sent over to bind and rivet upon them those chains which the British ministry has been so long forging. Language work 1.illusion:n.a false idea,belief or impression;false perception e.g.: (1)I have no illusions about my ability.(=I know that I am not able at all.) (2)In the hot sun the surface of the road seems wet,but that is only an illusion. (3)I was under the illusion that he was honest. 2.Mr.President,it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. Mr.President,it is quite normal that man should allow himself to entertain delusive or false hopes.//I It is in agreement with human nature that man should take pleasure in
responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Only in this way can we hope to reach the truth and perform the great commitment for which we are responsible for the sake of God and our country. 9. magnitude: n. a large size e.g.: (1) The magnitude of the epidemic was unexpectedly frightening. (2) You don't seem to appreciate the magnitude of her achievement. 10. treason: n. treachery to one's country; a treacherous act, i.e., an act of betraying one's country e.g.: (1) The traitor committed treason during the Anti-Japanese War. (2) The patriot would rather die than commit an offence of treason. 11. Should I hold back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, 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 above all earthly kings. If I should withhold my opinions at such a moment for fear of causing offence, I should think myself a traitor who has committed a treachery to my country and who is a sinner of disloyalty toward God, whom I respect more profoundly than all earthly kings. (or: If I should remain silent at such a critical time, for fear of offending others, I should consider myself to be a man who has betrayed his own country and who has committed a sin of betraying God, whom I venerate more deeply than all kings on Earth.) Part II. (Para. 2-Para. 4): Discussion questions 1. According to the speaker, what should the wise gentlemen do? The wise men should neither shut their eyes against a painful truth nor listen to the song of that siren till she transforms them into beasts. They ought to see and hear the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation. Whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, the wise men should be willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst and to provide for it. 2.What is the actual situation America is confronted with? America is confronted with warlike preparations, which cover their waters and darken their land. British fleets and armies are in battle array, ready to overwhelm the Americans. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon them those chains which the British ministry has been so long forging. Language work 1. illusion: n. a false idea, belief or impression; false perception e.g.: (1) I have no illusions about my ability. (= I know that I am not able at all.) (2) In the hot sun the surface of the road seems wet, but that is only an illusion. (3) I was under the illusion that he was honest. 2. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. Mr. President, it is quite normal that man should allow himself to entertain delusive or false hopes.//I It is in agreement with human nature that man should take pleasure in
cherishing fond illusive hopes. 3.be apt to do sth.:to be likely or have a tendency to do sth. e.g.: (1)She is apt to be forgetful,careless,and quick-tempered (2)My pen is rather apt to leak. 4.siren:n.(in Greek mythology)one of a number of winged women whose songs lured sailors to their destruction;woman regarded as fascinating and dangerous e.g.: (1)This sentence is actually an allusion to Homer's Odyssey,in which the enchantress Circe charms men with her song and turns them into swine. 5.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. We tend to turn a blind eye to a painful reality,and listen to the song of that sea nymph until she changes us completely into beasts. 7.be disposed to:to want or be prepared to do sth. e.g.: (1)I am not disposed to meet them at the moment. (2)You are most welcome to join us if you feel so disposed 8.their temporal salvation:salvation of their reality;salvation of their life and destiny temporal:relating to practical matters or material things;earthly,worldly e.g.: (1)Temporal power and wealth are more important to some people than a spiritual promise of life after death. 10.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? Do we want to be among those who pretend neither to see nor to hear the things that are concerned with the salvation of their own reality?(or:Are we prepared to be among those who turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the things that are so closely related to the salvation of their own destiny?) 11.I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided,and that is the lamp of experience. I have only one lamp that guides my way forward,and that lamp is none other than that of experience.!(or:Experience is like a lamp that guides my way forward.) 12.I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. As far as I know,there is no way to judge the future except by the past.(or:In my opinion,there is no means of judging the future except by history.) 13.solace:vt.to comfort or relieve from pain,distress,trouble,etc.;give comfort or relief e.g.: (1)She was distracted with grief and refused to be solaced. (2)The mayor's words solaced the grief-stricken widow. 14.snare:n.a trap for catching small animals and birds,esp.one with a noose made of rope or wire;(fig.)sth.that is apt to trap or injure sb
cherishing fond illusive hopes. 3. be apt to do sth.: to be likely or have a tendency to do sth. e.g.: (1) She is apt to be forgetful, careless, and quick-tempered. (2) My pen is rather apt to leak. 4. siren: n. (in Greek mythology) one of a number of winged women whose songs lured sailors to their destruction; woman regarded as fascinating and dangerous e.g.: (1) This sentence is actually an allusion to Homer's Odyssey, in which the enchantress Circe charms men with her song and turns them into swine. 5. 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. We tend to turn a blind eye to a painful reality, and listen to the song of that sea nymph until she changes us completely into beasts. 7. be disposed to: to want or be prepared to do sth. e.g.: (1) I am not disposed to meet them at the moment. (2) You are most welcome to join us if you feel so disposed. 8. their temporal salvation: salvation of their reality; salvation of their life and destiny temporal: relating to practical matters or material things; earthly, worldly e.g.: (1) Temporal power and wealth are more important to some people than a spiritual promise of life after death. 10. 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? Do we want to be among those who pretend neither to see nor to hear the things that are concerned with the salvation of their own reality? (or: Are we prepared to be among those who turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the things that are so closely related to the salvation of their own destiny?) 11. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I have only one lamp that guides my way forward, and that lamp is none other than that of experience.! (or: Experience is like a lamp that guides my way forward.) 12. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. As far as I know, there is no way to judge the future except by the past. (or: In my opinion, there is no means of judging the future except by history.) 13. solace: vt. to comfort or relieve from pain, distress, trouble, etc.; give comfort or relief e.g.: (1) She was distracted with grief and refused to be solaced. (2) The mayor's words solaced the grief-stricken widow. 14. snare: n. a trap for catching small animals and birds, esp. one with a noose made of rope or wire; (fig.) sth. that is apt to trap or injure sb