Thomas Paine Answers

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I."Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me or those that are in it and to 'bind me in all cases whatsoever' to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?"In this excerpt, Paine is attempting to convince readers that they

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I."My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light."Paine most likely uses this language to convince his audience that

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.” What is the purpose of the words “simple,” plain,” and “common”?

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I."Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place, and a generous parent should have said, 'If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.'"Which phrase in the excerpt is an emotional appeal to the reader?

Read the excerpt from Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense."Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?Paine’s use of phrases such as “little remains,” “relationship expires,” and “quarrel over” suggest that his purpose is to

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?”The word “expires” tells the reader that Paine believed the colonies’ separation from Britain was

In paragraph three of Common Sense, why does Paine use the phrases "precariousness of human affairs," "while we have it in our power," and "time and chance"?

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I.“’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”Which best describes the purpose of this excerpt?

Read the excerpt from Common Sense.“There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did.”Paine uses this language to show that

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "I am as confident as I am that God governs the world that America will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion. Wars without ceasing will break out till that period arrives, and the continent must in the end be conqueror; for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire."Paine uses metaphor to demonstrate that