er" (592). It is through this type of deliberate rhetorical style that Paine subtly uses the primary themes to convey his message and persuade his reader.
The themes are interwoven and appear and are contrasted in ways that enhance their meaning. Yet, the one concept that only appears as it relates to another is that of Nature. Nature is presented as a supreme, all-knowing, and just force. Nature replaces God as that force in Common Sense. Paine, therefore, uses Nature as a source of legitimation to enhance the other themes.
The first issue that is addressed is that of reason and rational thought and how it is conflict with prejudice, the inability to "see," and non-reason. Reason and independent, serious thought are held in high esteem by Paine. In the first sentence of
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