In paragraph three when Henry states: "Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss," he is employing which rhetorical strategy? A) allusion B) ethos C) personification D) symbolism I think it's either A. or D.
1 Answer
A) allusion
Explanation:
'betrayed with a kiss' is an allusion to the Bible; more specifically, Judas' kiss.
it is said that after the Last Supper, Judas betrayed Jesus' identity to Roman chief priests in return for 30 pieces of silver.
he did this by kissing Jesus on the cheek. this may have seemed to be a kind action to outsiders, but was the first step towards Jesus' death.
in a similar way, the colonists accepting British rule are shown as victims of deceit.
rather than being there to help the colonists in 'love and reconciliation' (as a kiss may symbolise), the 'fleets and armies' in place are said to be for 'war and subjugation'. the 'graceful reception of (the colonists') petition' may seem to be a kind action in itself (as a kiss may), but Henry urges the audience to be aware of the 'warlike preparations' around them.
as danger surrounds the colonists, they should not be tricked by what seems like a show of grace.
