Question

2 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 that 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.
In paragraph two, what is Patrick Henry referring to when he mentions "that siren" who will change all men into beasts? A) the illusions of hope B) the British government C) the American government D) the men who had just spoken before him

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is B) the British government.

Explanation:

Through this mythological allusion, Henry refers to the promises and good words coming from the British government. If people keep listening to those false promises they will eventually become what they did not want to. Henry recovers the myth of Circe in Homer's Odyssey, and how she transformed his men into swine after charming them with her singing.

Answer 2

The correct answer is D. The men who had just spoken before him.  At the beginning of his speech he apologizes for not agreeing with most of the opinions expressed previously by some of those present. He asks them to fight for freedom since peace does not exist even though men shout peace! peace!. The expression "siren song or song" refers to the speech with pleasant and convincing words but that may hide some deception or seduction. Patrick with his words inspired the beginning of the American Revolution. He incites the struggle not to chains and to slavery.