A false dilemma is when people are given two choices on different sides of the spectrum leaving out the middle options. This gives the reader the false concept that they only have two options.
Tone is the author's attitude towards the subject matter. It is one of the key points of rhetoric and is composed of: diction, syntax, and figurative language.
While not seen in many of the speeches, alliteration does play a part in the poetry of the American Revolution. Alliteration is the practice of having words which start with the same sound consecutively.
Anaphora is the deliberate repetition of the first part of a sentence to add emphasis. This is clear in many of the speeches and texts of the time.
Diction refers to word choice. Diction helps determine tone and is very persuasive. For example, the Declaration of Independence contains many vilifying verbs.
An allusion is a reference to another story or theme. It often adds credence to a though by adding outside emphasis. Often the bible is alluded to. Patrick Henry says, "Suffer not to be betrayed with a kiss." Here he references Judas' kiss.
Metaphors aren't just created for poems. They are also used as persuasive technique to get people to listen. For example in Patrick Henry's speech, "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience".
Restatement is the technique of emphasizing by paraphrasing an idea earlier expressed. This makes it clear that the idea is important.
