Analysis Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine - 826 Words

Common Sense by Thomas Paine Analysis Initial Reaction The first sentence of the introduction, â€Å"a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right,† (Paine, 1776) is instantly captivating to me by the Paine’s acknowledgement that by not standing up to wrong and injustices when you see or experience it is the same as giving the injustice your seal of approval for the wrongs being done. The very fact that Pain is admittingly not fan of government but goes on to justify its necessity, shows his commitment to doing what he feels is right is fascinating and respectable, especially in the time in which he lived. During this time, his actions would be considered a treasonous act against the monarch†¦show more content†¦Even after these events, some colonists continued to believe that reconciliation was possible with Britain. Other colonists wanted full independence. Paine wrote Common Sense to dissuade those colonists believing in reconciliation and argued for full independen ce from Britain and the establishment of a republican form of government. Biographical Context Paine, born in Britain on January 29, 1737 had some schooling at Thetford Grammar School but was for the most part, self-educated. He was a failure in school, apprenticeship to his father as a stay-maker, and was dismissed as an Excise Officer. During his tenure in a tax-collector’s office he published The Case of Officers of Excise, a publishing for higher pay for tax-collectors, and subsequently fired. (Thomas Paine, n.d.) He was no stranger to publishing writings that were controversial. Paine met Benjamin Franklin and became good friends. That friendship eventually led to him moving to Philadelphia in 1774 where he began focusing on journalism and eventually writing Common Sense. Exploration of themes or stylistic characteristics The Enlightenment Period was marked by skepticism, individualism, utilitarianism, and rationalism. Common Sense, written in 1776, after protests and fighting had already begun between the American colonists and the British, is a proper representation of this period because of Paine’s subject of challenging the monarchy,Show MoreRelatedThomas Paine Common Sense Analysis1052 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"The Declaration of Independence† and Thomas Paine’s â€Å"Common Sense.† Basically, the two documents echo principles stated in John Locke’s â€Å"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 historyRead MoreThomas Paine Common Sense An alysis1119 Words   |  5 Pagesto find moral and political reasons to justify revolution. In the pamphlet, Common Sense, Frenchman Thomas Paine brought forth such reason using rhetorical elements such as figurative language, rhetorical questions, and assertions in order to boost the morale of the colonists and support the Americans in their revolution against Britain. Proving that the liberties of the common people are something worth fighting for, Paine uses relatable figurative language in order to provide a more personal connectionRead MoreThomas Paine Common Sense Analysis772 Words   |  4 PagesPaine’s Common Sense â€Å"My country is the world, and my religion is to do good† (Thomas Paine common sense). Thomas Paine was an English-American political activist and philosopher who changed the world through his words and writing. In Common Sense, distributed in January 1776, the pamphlets sold in the thousands and was extremely persuasive. It transformed a neighborhood uprising into a War of Independence and Thomas Paine was given the title Father of the American Revolution. He challenged greatRead MoreAnalysis Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine1699 Words   |  7 PagesIn his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense, Thomas Paine wrote, â€Å"Not one third of the inhabitants, even of this province, are of English descent. Wherefore I reprobate the phrase of parent or mother country applied to England only, as being false, selfish, narrow and ungenerous† (Paine, 23-24). After decades of civil and religious persecution in Europe, Puritans among others fled to New England in search of a land where th ey could live without fear. This influx of individuals that arrived in the coloniesRead MoreAnalysis Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine1026 Words   |  5 Pagesbefore, when there was no existing monarchy, putting all people at an equal position in society, with an amount of little to no violence. Since in paragraph three Paine mentions how during the times of when there was no monarchy, there was no war. He includes that the pride of kings â€Å"...throws mankind into confusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Common Sense by Thomas Paine). Which is true, because of the title and placement of being King does develop quite a large ego, that affects their judgement and, actions, spreading confusionRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Common Sense By Thomas Paine1474 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout history, books have shaped the world. Some books, such as the Bible, have influenced Christians. The book Common Sense by Thomas Paine encouraged Americans to join the fight against the British. Other books do mor e than simply encourage; they set forth a new philosophy. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith claims to promote a philosophy which one day would provide the foundation for modern economics. One author wrote two books that would forever change the course of history. These booksRead MoreAnalysis of Thomas Paine ´s Pamphlet, Common Sense846 Words   |  3 PagesCommon Sense Throughout time, events such as wars and assassinations have occurred that people today can describe as â€Å"a turning point in history†. However, not all turning points in history have to be wars, assassinations, etc. In fact, perhaps everybody acknowledges that Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense is a â€Å"turning point in history† because it inspired the United States Revolutionary War. Common Sense, a pamphlet, can be credited as to inciting the American Colonies to revolt against GreatRead MorePrimary Source Analysis Common Sense Essays796 Words   |  4 Pages Primary Source Analysis Thomas Paine Common Sense Context: In result of The Seven Years’ War Britain controlled American trade and territory. In order to pay for the expenses of the war several taxation acts and military presence were implemented such as the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Currency Act, Quartering Act and the presence of British troops at the colonies. Consequently, Americans who thought these actions violated their political and constitutional liberties opposed these policies withRead MoreCommon Sense Essay663 Words   |  3 PagesCommon Sense The persuasion towards independence represented through the pamphlet Common Sense, is largely effective. The work portrays the unjust treatment received by the colonies from the mother country, England. Thomas Paine begins with the creation of government, as lived by the colonist, and progresses to the wrongful acts administered by Parliament and the King of England. Finally, Thomas Paine gives confidence to the unity of the colonies, and details a forceful removal of EnglishRead MorePolitical Philosophy and Paine Essay example1568 Words   |  7 PagesJesus Chaveste HIST 1301 Dr. Olivares September 7, 2013 Thomas Paine Questions 1. Why do you think Thomas Paine writes Common Sense anonymously? How does he think his work will be remembered? Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense anonymously because the ideas he used in writing the book were contradicting the government at that time. If the government knew that he wrote it then they will take action against him to punish him. He probably thought that his work would remain as something memorable