Thomas Paine's Common Sense

Thomas Paine Common Sense Analysis Honors English 11

Questions:

1. Thomas Paine found it absurd that an island like Britain would rule a strong continent like America. He expresses his discomfort at the fact that Parliament was in London while still ruling over America, as well as treating its colonists unjustly, and how due to this, American colonies would eventually be dragged into European powers that were not of their concern. He claims that the colonies were run by the British government for the benefit of Britain, not for the benefit of the colonies or colonists.
2. The main argument in support of continued membership to Britain claimed that it would be an advantage because Britain would serve as a sort of protection. Being the “mother country” it would protect America. Thomas Paine was quick to turn this argument down by stating that the colonies and colonists were treated unjustly, and that even if Britain were the “mother country” of America, that made her actions all the more horrendous, “for no mother would harm her children so brutally.”
3. Thomas Paine says it is necessary for one no longer continue membership of the British Empire because he not only found it absurd for an island to rule a continent like America, but also because of the harsh treatment it receives from its “mother country.” He also dislikes the fact that Parliament is situated in Europe, and how if any political matters had to be taken to Parliament, it would take months and maybe even years to get them resolved.
4. I believe Thomas Paine uses a mixture of Pathos and Ethos.
5. I believe it is apparent in the whole pamphlet that Paine uses an emotional, yet persuasive/credible tone. He is speaking of how unjustly all the colonies/colonists are being treated, speaking in terms even of a mother and child, and attempts to persuade Americans of how they are better off independent from Britain.

Summary:

Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine and anonymously published on January 10, 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolution, becoming an immediate success. In it, Thomas Paine would attempt to make the “Americans” se the pro’s of separating from their “mother land” as well as the cons that came with being loyal to her. Thomas Paine’s main concern was the fact that an Island like Britain was ruling a strong continent like America. He was also disturbed by the fact that Parliament was located in London, which in turn would see no immediate resolutions to problems in America. He also found it absurd that due to the fact that Parliament and the main form of government was in London, but governing America, the colonies/colonists would have to participate in European conflicts that were of no concern to America. Although the pamphlet became an instant success, there were groups of people that disliked the idea, claiming that people should stay loyal to their “mother country,” for it offered something that a mother gives best: protection. Thomas Paine was quick to respond to this argument, having included that even if Britain were the “mother country” of America, that made all her actions the more horrendous, “for no mother would harm her children so brutally.” I believe that this pamphlet contains both a mixture of Pathos and Ethos embedded in it. A mixture of both is found in the whole document because Paine uses an emotional yet persuasive argument to why America should become independent. He is speaking of how unjustly all the colonies/colonists are being treated, speaking in terms even of a mother and child which just add to the emotion, and attempts to persuade Americans of how they are better off independent from Britain, then they are with her.