Lead the following excerpt from a 1775 speech by Patrick Henry in which he
resents his ideas concerning the American colonists' relationship with Great
Britain:
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions
of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth,
and listen to the song of the siren, till she transforms us
into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a
great and arduous struggle for liberty? 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? For my part, whatever anguish of
spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to
know the worst, and to provide for it.
Which best explains the purpose of the rhetorical device used in this excerpt?