Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and Tone, Rhetoric and Irony
1) Please provide a brief summary including the main points of Paine's essay on common sense
2) Tone, Rhetorical, Irony?
http://www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/sense4.htm.
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1) Below is an outline of his essay:
- Paine introduces his essay/pamphlet by saying that he will use common sense to decide the issue of American independence from Britain.
- he then goes on to discuss the importance of this issue ("The Sun never shined on a cause of greater worth")
- commencement of hostilities (begun by Britain) means that whatever argument there was for reconciliation is no longer useful, and its now time to consider the alternative (independence)
- Britain only protected America because it benefited itself, not because it actually cared about America
- if independent, America may actually stop being at war with other countries, such as France and Spain. Since Europe is a port of trade, America should remain impartial and steer clear of European contentions (which it cannot do while a dependent of Britain)
- Britain is not the "mother country": a) ...
Solution Summary
The solution examines Tomas Paine's common sense and tone, rhetoric, and irony.
The Declaration of Independence (1776) Analysis
1). Provide a brief summary, analysis, and main points.
2). Is there any irony or rhetorical tone?
3). What is the justification given dissolving "the political bands" connecting the colonies with England?
4). What are the "unalienable" rights of men? What is the "pursuit of happiness"?
5). Do you think Jefferson believed rights were "unalienable" for all men? For women?
6). How do governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed"? Do you think each person has to give his or her consent? How often?
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