Thomas Paine

American political leaders have had to depend upon political rhetoric to convey their thoughts and goals to the people. During the period of the late 1700's and the American Revolution, the written word was especially powerful. The political and social situation of the colonies was tenuous, and "Americans" minds were open, or at least vulnerable, to new ideas. Men such as Thomas Paine too advantage of writing as the most effective means of communication. In Common Sense, Paine uses the power of language and a deliberate style in order to persuade the reader.

It is vital to remain mindful of Paine's intentions. He is attempting to convince the people that it is time to declare independence and take arms against England. He, therefore, establishes the relationship between England and America, where England is the "violent abuse(r) of power" and the "good people of (the colonies) are grievously oppressed" (585). "The king hath undertaken in his own right, to support the Parliament in what he calls theirs," (585) and Paine asserts that this "usurp ation" (585) of power must be questioned and cannot be tolerated. "Great Britain . . . propos[ed] force." It was "the choice of the King" (586). The colonies simply "accepted the challenge" (586) and basically had no choice but to do so.

Paine was aware that his pamphlet was bold and was going to be controversial. He could not afford to alienate anyone who might be persuaded by his argument. So he is humble and subtle in

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e the contest" (586). The reader is not allowed to decide for himself if indeed they have reached the point where the "last resource" is necessary. Instead Paine supports this conclusion through a combination of rational and emotional appeals. First, he points out that England "propos[ed] force, the [colonies] friendship, but it . . . happened that the first . . . failed, and the second [withdrew] her influence" (586). Concerning "the advantages of reconciliation," Paine states that "not a single advantage is derived" (589). He calls on the "principles of nature and common sense," (586, 587) to "examine" (586) the issue. "It is but right that we should examine the contrary side of the argument," Paine asserts. But he has no intention of allowing the reader to do so objectively or through his own biases or perceptions. They are to "examine the contrary side" so they can "inquire into some of the many material injuries which these colonies sustain, and always will sustain, by being connected with and dependent on Great Britain" (586). One will certainly find that "reconciliation . . . hath passed away and left us" (586). "Any submission to, or dependence on, Great Britain tends directly to involve this continent in Euro

Category: History - T