AP Lang
Common Sense
Thomas Paine had published a book in early 1776 that immediately became popular and widely read. The book was titled, Common Sense. It got the American colonist skeptical of what they were fighting for. Some agreed with the way King George III ruled, others were eager to break away from English Rule. Common Sense focused on mostly the colonist of America. The purpose of the book was to encourage the people to seek independence from Great Britain. Colonists in the 13 Colonies were under England’s power and the decisions of the King. Thomas Paine pointed out the negative things that the people of all classes couldn’t see to persuade them to take action. "Britain did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account," Paine said. These wars bring few benefits to the colonists. Paine builds a case for independence, by suggesting that, "it is the pride of kings which throw mankind into confusion." Paine would use italic type wording to give a more emphasis in his writing. "The plain truth is, that it is wholly owing to the constitution of the people, and not to the constitution of the government..." By emphasising the words, he's …show more content…
He stated, "in absolute governments the king is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king.” Which is a logical statement because he's making a connection with the colonist’s craving for freedom and democracy. "We have been wise enough to shut and lock a door against absolute Monarchy, we at the same time have been foolish enough to put the Crown in possession of the key." was a quote Thomas Paine wrote the give the audience an example of what they were doing with their power. He also wrote, "How came the king by a power which the people are afraid to trust, and always obligated to check?" making the audience question even more about what their government