Question

selection 1: address to the continental congress, by samuel adams historical speech: this passage is an excerpt from a speech given by samuel adams to the continental congress in philadelphia on august 1, 1776. the continental congress signed the declaration of independence on the very next day. we have now no other alternative than independence, or the most ignominious and galling servitude. the legions of our enemies thicken on our plains, desolation and death mark their bloody career, whilst the mangled corpses of our countrymen seem to cry out to us as a voice from heaven... 5 “has our blood been expended in vain? is the only reward which our constancy, ill death, has obtained for our country, that it should be sunk into a deeper and more ignominious vassalage?”... our union is now complete; our constitution composed, established, and approved. you are now the guardians of your own liberties. we may justly address you, as the decemviri did the romans, and say, “nothing that we propose, can pass into a law without your consent. be yourselves, o americans, the authors of those laws on which your happiness depends.” you have now in the field armies sufficient to repel the whole force of your enemies... the hearts of your soldiers beat high with the spirit of freedom, they are animated with the justice of their cause, and while they grasp their swords can look up to heaven for assistance. your adversaries are composed of wretches who laugh at the rights of humanity, who turn religion into derision, and would, for higher wages, direct their swords against their leaders or their country. go on, men, in your generous enterprise, with gratitude to heaven for past success, and confidence of it in the future. for my own part, i ask no greater blessing than to share with you the common danger and common glory. i have a wish... it is—that these american states may never cease to be free and independent. read the following sentences from selection 1. “has our blood been expended in vain? is the only reward which our constancy, ill death, has obtained for our country, that it should be sunk into a deeper and more ignominious vassalage?” (lines 5–7) which best characterizes the cumulative force of the rhetorical questions in these sentences? a. they are a call for listeners to mourn and pay proper respects to those who have died in battle. b. they are a call for listeners to honor the sacrifice of others by taking up their cause. c. they are a call for listeners to avenge those who have died in battle. d. they are a call for listeners to fight for a democratic government. question 3. question 4. question 5. read the following dictionary entry.

Explanation:

The rhetorical questions ("Has our blood been expended in vain? Is the only reward...") aim to motivate listeners by highlighting sacrifices, urging continuation of the cause.

Answer:

B. They are a call to honor the sacrifice of others by taking up their cause.