Common Sense

Thomas Paine's Common Sense argued for American independence by emphasizing the absurdity of a distant island ruling a continent, critiquing monarchy, and advocating for a republic. Its clear,...

Both Common Sense by Thomas Paine and the Declaration of Independence advocate for American independence from British rule. Common Sense argues against monarchy and hereditary succession, emphasizing...

Thomas Paine viewed government as a "necessary evil" because he believed it was inherently flawed and corrupt, drawing on the political philosophies of Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. While...

The most impactful arguments in Paine's Common Sense are his insistence on the urgency of breaking away from Great Britain and his portrayal of the British monarchy as inherently tyrannical. He...

Thomas Paine was inspired to write Common Sense by the American colonies' struggle for independence from British taxation and monarchy during the American Revolution. Enlightenment ideas and Paine's...

The intended audience for this passage from Thomas Paine's Common Sense includes two groups. First, Paine addresses those undecided about supporting the Revolutionary War, aiming to persuade them to...

In "Common Sense," the "Pharaoh of England" refers to King George III. Thomas Paine draws a parallel between the biblical Pharaoh who refused to free the Israelites and King George III's refusal to...

Paine suggests that Quakers, who do not fight in wars, should be treated as a group of people who may choose to side with either the British and Loyalists or the American revolutionaries. He attempts...

In "Common Sense," Paine argued that "Europe, not England, is America's parent country" to justify the American colonies' separation from Britain. While many colonists were of British descent, Paine...

America could better pursue its interest in free trade if independent of Britain, Paine says. As long as it is tied to Britain, America will get pulled into European conflicts on the side of Britain....

In Common Sense, Thomas Paine proposed a government for America that consisted of a representative democracy. He advocated for a system where elected officials would represent the people's interests,...

"Common Sense," written by Thomas Paine, was significant because it advocated for American independence from Britain, using clear and persuasive prose that resonated with the common people. It played...

The central message of Thomas Paine's Common Sense is that the American colonies should seek independence from Britain and establish a republic. Paine argued against monarchy, viewing it as...

Thomas Paine's Common Sense is divided into four main sections. The first distinguishes society from government, advocating for a balanced government that serves the people. The second section...

A "theme" is a central idea or main argument in a work, often providing structure. In Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," themes are explicitly stated in chapter headings such as "Of the Origin and Design...

Paine asks rhetorical questions to stir his listeners/readers. He wants them to answer these questions for themselves, in the hopes that they will want to be free of Britain and its tradition of...

Paine's Common Sense and The Rights of Man are both persuasive today in asserting a democratic republic as the best form of government. His imagery, allusions, metaphors, and similes are all...

Thomas Paine argued for an immediate declaration of independence because he opposed the monarchy's concentration of power and believed that no free people should be ruled by one person. In his...

Paine's initial disclaimer in Common Sense emphasizes his reluctance to engage in political controversy, claiming his motivation is purely for the public good. His stated goals, however, are to...

Thomas Paine's Common Sense was enthusiastically received in the American colonies, significantly influencing the push for independence. Before its publication, colonial sentiment for independence...

Thomas Paine observes that long-standing customs can seem right despite being wrong, and change often faces initial resistance but is eventually accepted over time. This is because time, rather than...

Paine frames his argument in this way: the British are responsible for all of the suffering that Americans have endured during their efforts to subjugate the Colonies. Therefore, it is impossible for...

In Chapter 3 of "Common Sense," Thomas Paine argues for American unity by emphasizing the common heritage of the colonists as seekers of religious and civil liberty, transcending English ties. He...

To "divest himself of prejudice and prepossession" means to rid oneself of preconceived notions and biases. In Common Sense, Paine urges readers to discard their existing beliefs and judgments about...

Paine uses logos and pathos in his argument. Rhetorical Analysis: Logos - evidence or proof, reasoning or rational thought, facts, rationale; use of reason; "the power of reason" Pathos - appeal to...

Paine highlights several advantages for the colonists over the British. He emphasizes the strength in unity among the colonies, suggesting they have sufficient numbers and purpose to repel British...

In Common Sense, Thomas Paine advocates for American independence, arguing against British rule and monarchy. He emphasizes the natural rights of individuals and criticizes the British government's...

Paine argues that the British have caused material injuries to the colonists and has used Boston as an example.