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Analysis of thomas paine
Analysis of thomas paine
The Writings Of Thomas Paine
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Analysis of thomas paine
Analysis of thomas paine
The Writings Of Thomas Paine
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Recommended: Analysis of thomas paine
Thomas Paine wrote a series of articles known collectively as "The Crisis" to support his argument for independence from England during the Revolutionary War. Thomas Paine 's reasoning for writing this collection of articles is rather sound. The call to arms in this document calls “tens of thousands” to arms to battle Great Britain and their unfair rule over their country. Paine was justified in his writing, the unfair rule of the British government did need to be “called out” sort of speak.
Paine’s deistic viewpoints allowed him to write about government actions without being influenced by religious beliefs. He maintained that government should be based on reason, not faith. He strongly claimed that there should be a distinct separation between church and state. He thought that the only role government should have in religion is the protection of religious freedom. Paine commonly used Enlightenment language when he speaks of God and appeals to ordinary people, as opposed to the educated elites.
First argument that Paine has made was about distinction between society and government. Paine made it clear that he mainly did not love government, whose individual value he thought lies in "restraining our vices" (Paine, 1776). For Paine, the natural state of man is to live without government, and government's existence is needed only to solve its problems created by this usual, revolutionary way of life. If a government is unsuccessful in improving society or, even worse, it is actively initiates other troubles so it is not essential to be ruled by that government.
Thomas Paine, a local pamphleteer in the pre-Revolutionary War era, wrote a convincing pamphlet to any colonists who were not already supporting the war for independence from Great Britain. In his argument, Paine uses rhetorical strategy, an emotional aspect, and divine revelation towards the citizens to create a very moving, passionate, and convincing call to arms. The first line, “These are the times that tried men 's souls,” is one of relatability and preparedness for the oncoming difficult times. Paine starts his essay off with a refutation of his argument, stating that although he wants this fight, he knows it will be tough. Paine then challenges the men’s bravery and patriotism to their country by stating the line “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country.”
According to Paine, “Even though people of the colonies were paying taxes and were pushed into wars caused by British, they were unfairly not represented in the British Parliament”. (109) Since Paine’s main goal is to target the common man of the society; he directs his argument by using the Bible and emotions to back up his own discussion. Paine indicates that all people are born equally and there is no one given the power to rule over other human beings. Then he uses Bible quotes to explicitly disagree with the presence of Monarchy rule used by the Great Britain.
If all that was said about Thomas Paine was true, then I don’t see why we don’t recognize him as one of the Founding Fathers. Jefferson, himself, even stated that Paine did as much labor as any other man. The only reason I can think that we as Americans haven’t officially recognized him as a Founding Father is because of all that was said about him. Thomas Paine had a way with words and freely expressed them without a care. In 1794, there is an excerpt on Christianity in the book The Age of Reason that was very harsh.
Chris Shannon: Mr. Paine, how did you get to America and what was your role in the American Revolution? Thomas Paine: At first, I was an excise officer in England. I was dismissed, though, after writing that a raise in pay would be the only way to end corruption in the field. I was lucky enough to run into Benjamin Franklin while he was in England though, and he told me that I should move to America and gave me some contacts in the colonies, so I could get a job once I moved there (Foner) I arrived in America on November 1774 and went to work for the Pennsylvania Magazine for about a year and a half.
Thomas Paine is effective in explaining his reasoning for wanting to be an independent nation and telling loyalist why it's better to leave. Paine takes down the British loyalist argument by taking apart each part of their reasons for wanting to stay British. Each time Paine states one of his arguments when he starts his paragraphs he states the loyalists reasoning for backing the English. As the paragraph goes on he dismantles their arguments and gives his reasonings as to why he doesn't agree with loyalists.
Thomas Paine thought if the citizens of the country feel that the government isn’t doing a good job, they should be able to protest and shouldn’t be harmed in any way while doing and so by the government(Paine, 1776). Paine knew that the government was made for the people so the people should have the right to change anything for them to survive properly. He believed the people have the right to replace their own government if they aren’t happy with the current government. While getting their rights, the citizens should be allowed freedom of speech and expression to get their points through. Thomas Paine argues that people should be supported by their government and satisfied.
The Fight for Freedom Thomas Paine wrote “the Crisis” because his purpose called “tens of thousands” of men to arms against Great Britain. Paine’s reasoning was because Britain was treating the American colonies like we were their slaves and telling us what to do along with taxing us. Paine was justified because we wanted independence since Britain in a way were abusing the American colonies.
Paine is against America having a connection with Britain and a single person having power. As Paine expresses, King George III is not and should not be able to be in power of the colonists because mankind is created to be equal and therefore kings should be “disapproved by nature” (Paine 217). Not only does Paine express his anger at the topic of a ruler for all, he also voices that America is connected to whatever Britain does and whatever problems Britain has: implying that America has no say what so ever under Britain (Paine 218). Paine is suggesting that Britain is not only hurting but also is subordinating America and its colonies, so a declaration of independence is in need.
Before this many Colonists did not know of the harsh injustices done by the British. They also did not believe that the cause for revolution was urgent. Thomas Paine showed them that the cause was urgent by explaining the wrongs the British had committed and why King George was a tyrant. He also showed them that America did not need the British Empire 's protection. This quote shows his reasoning “Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.”
In an interaction with Thomas Paine through his essay “The Age of Reason,” I noticed many saddening facts about his life. One belief Paine puts forth in his essay is that he believes in one god. However as the reader continues, Paine explains that he does not believe in the God of the Bible, the Trinity, or any such thing. The question that surfaced as I finished reading his piece was, “if Paine’s god is not the one defined by the Bible, then what god does he believe in?”
In the pamphlet, Common Sense, Thomas Paine expresses his ideas and thoughts of American independence from Britain and encourages the colonists to think on their own and to strive to keep their rights. Paine conveys his ideas about the British political institutions, how the constitution is not structured well, and the disadvantages/problems of a monarchy. He also wrote about religion and its importance, and how it was being overshadowed by British rule. It is not unusual for a government to have flaws, but according to Thomas Paine, Britain's government was very faulty and complex during and before the 1700s. Britain has a constitutional monarchy and its legislative power was very inapt.
Paine, Thomas, and Sidney Hook. Common Sense: The Rights of Man, and Other Essential Writings of Thomas Paine. New York: Penguin, 1984. Print. Annotated Bibliography Collins, Paul.