Thomas Paine Common Sense Analysis

The document “Common Sense” was written in 1776 by a man named Thomas Paine. His main goal was to explain why the colonists needed independence from Great Britain. The King had refused to take actions to help the colonists. He had also imposed taxes and robbed them of their natural born rights. This angered the colonists making them want to revolt against Britain as well. The way Thomas Paine worded “Common Sense” made colonists feel that no answers but his were correct. He accomplished this by using multiple rhetorical devices. Paine often asks questions, but then quickly gave his own answer, along with asking questions that are left for speculation. The most influential devices used by Thomas Paine were hypophoras and rhetorical questions in “Common Sense” to persuade Americans into standing up to Great Britain.

In the pamphlet Common Sense, Thomas Paine manages to persuade the inhabitants into believing that American Independence was a vital decision. The use of persuasion by Thomas Paine had a positive outcome for those colonists in favor of gaining independence. He used a variety of rhetorical devices, such as: hyperboles, analogies, and tone, to state why obtaining American Independence was essential.

America was founded on the principles of religious freedom and the interest of making money. Colonists came to the new world seeking freedom from the persecution that they faced in Europe. Even though the colonies later decided that making money is most important, religion was still engrained in the lives of the people. During the struggle for independence, many people were unsure about which side they should support. There were the people loyal to the king and people who supported independence. Included among these avid supporters was, Thomas Paine. In his pamphlet Common Sense, Paine recognized that people are receptive when it comes to religion, so he used stories from the Bible and the motif of good verses evil to gain their loyalty. He helped draw supporters for independence by appealing to the colonists religious ideals.

Paine's vehement use of schemes exposes the intertwined relationship between the government and the governed, as he interjects, "Interchange will establish a common interest with every part of the community, they will mutually and naturally support each other and on this…depends the strength of the government, and the happiness of the governed"(par. 2). This delicate, yet critical balance of the people versus the state is what this country has been about from the very beginning of it, a place where there will not be the acted upon, but those who act, a place where choice has become the most important part of life, the very center of life itself, affecting both individuals, communities, and this nation as a whole. This catching parallel structure is also used in the final paragraph as Paine expresses: "However our eyes may be dazzled with show, or our ears deceived by sound; however prejudice may warp our wills, or interest darken our understanding, the simple voice of nature and of reason will say, it is

In the work of Thomas Paine, "Common Sense" Paine mentions throughout of the working for a positive government with the idea of equality. Thomas Paine writes different excerpt that give theories and idea with the goal of implementing those ideas into a government that may be just and fair. Paine reflects on the English constitution specifically the crown. Paine also provide an insight to having a higher power to run a government. Paine also criticizes the idea of monarchy and hereditary succession. Complications would ultimately arise through his ideas and theories due to the differences in religions.

American colonists were getting more and more frustrated with the rules being forced onto them by the British, so Thomas Paine’s timing was very crucial in convincing everyone to take such drastic measures. Paine’s structure makes it clear the colonists need only one more final inspiration to fight and he wants to present that as simply as possible by saying, “In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense...” (Paine n.pag.). Thomas Paine was a patriot of the 1770s, meaning he was one of the people who did not like being controlled by the British. The structure gives Paine a specific tone that seems very understandable and very to-the-point. He is trying to spread the idea that the solution to their Britain problem is very simple, but is overlooked by most colonists before 1776 when the pamphlet was written. He blatantly and clearly presents his argument immediately to his readers to give the colonists confidence and make them feel starting a rebellion will be easy to win and worthwhile to do. The colonists all came to the colonies to gain some freedom from the British Empire, yet are still getting controlled by them without any physical representation.

Thomas Paine was responsible for some of the most influential works of the revolution. Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense was a very crucial part to America and its movement of independence from Britain. Paine was effective with his writings by being very plain. He wanted both farmers and officials to understand what he was talking about and be able to comprehend his ideas. Paine wanted to put his ideas out to the people of the American colonies so that they could understand it just by reading and not have to analyze and decipher what he was really trying to get across. He wanted to let the colonist know that there was no more room for talking about a split from English rule but it was time for the colonies to unite and take up arms against their British oppressors.

In Common Sense, Thomas Paine writes about why he thinks America should become independent from Britain. His thesis is that monarchy, being fundamentally flawed, is a bad form of government and that America should rebel against the king and become an independent nation. The author does achieve his goal when the Declaration of Independence is signed in the summer of 1776.

Charles Inglis, in his loyalist rebuttal to common sense titled “a crack-brained zealot for democracy” (1776), argues that the pamphlet by Thomas Paine is “an outrageous insult on the common sense of Americans” and claims it his duty to God, his king, and his country to counteract the deceitful lies it withholds. He supports his claim by first pointing out the author’s flaws in the method which he presented the information saying that his tone came across as “whiny” and “begging.” Inglis then presents a few examples of what good reconciliation with Great Britain would bring such as peace, no more blood shed, and better trade or naval advantage; then presenting what evil could arise if no reconciliation were reached such as devastation and ruin across America. Finally, while speaking highly of how marvelous of a country America is, explains its glory would be long forgotten is a war waged between Great Britain and America due to America’s seceding. Inglis’s purpose is to persuade other American minds to follow in his thinking in order to keep the peace between the two great lands and allow America to continue thriving as it was with Britain.

However, Paine combats all of these notions with well-thought-out, educated details that sway those arguments. For example, the idea of England increasing the profitability of America’s trade is addressed by Paine saying, “Our plan is commerce and that, well attended to, will secure us the peace and friendship of all Europe; because it is the interest of all Europe to have America a free port. Her trade will always be a protection and her barrenness of gold and silver secure her from invaders.” (Paine, 458). Paine’s use of the lack of the readers’ common knowledge allows for a compelling argument which would enlighten audiences.

Thomas Paine was a revolutionary, intelligent, and a supporter of America gaining their freedom from England. Paine has written many books on his beliefs and thoughts on many different topics concerning America. The passage we read in class highlights how America is one unified and diverse nation. We have little taxes, because of how our government is just and we are all equal. I disagree with what Thomas Paine says, but on the other hand I agree too. We are a diverse nation, and for the most part our government is just, and in hard times we do come together. Then on the other side of things the rich are privileged, we have tons of taxes, and riots break out all the time.

Thomas Paine is trying to say in Common Sense that we need to stand up for our freedom. Thomas is distinguishing between government and society Paine’s main argument is mainly about the need for freedom. He knows that the article is challenging the norm. I believe that this pamphlet was compelling to the colonist to fight for their freedom. I also felt that it help the colonist being able to speak out against the government by saying hey we moved for freedom not to be taxed and still under your control.

Paine starts his pamphlet by telling the difference between government and society. He states that “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state

Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, is a major document of American history written between 1775-76. In this, Paine argues for the independence of the colonies. He begins his argument with general reflections about government and religion. He then specifies issues that dealt with the colonies.

The birth of a nation does not happen overnight nor with one word. One can clearly see how words and ideas have an impact on people’s thoughts and writing by examining “The Declaration of Independence” and Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.” Basically, the two documents echo principles stated in John Locke’s “Second Treatise of Government,” and share a style of expressing their feelings on national issues; the authors examine and give reasons for colonial problems with the government and offer a solution. The tone and audience might vary, but the overall message is similar in its principles, showing the impact Locke and Paine had on such a vital document in our history as the “Declaration of Independence”.