Rhetorical Analysis Of The American Crisis

In his incisive and critical speech The American Crisis, presented to the Continental Army in 1776, Thomas Paine discusses the importance of standing up for one’s values and fighting for societal change for the generations to come. The famous oration alludes to the story of Joanna of Arc and places emphasis on serving God. It recalls Paine’s personal experiences in combat and opinions to unify the various perspectives in his audience. His words successfully moved his audience and the soldiers went on to win the ensuing battle. Thomas Paine makes references to the Christian martyr Joanna of Arc, whose narrative is of both ministerial and religious importance to his audience. The intimate value placed on religion during this time further intensified the emotional impact of Paine’s words on his audience. He writes, “would that heaven might inspire some Jersey

This idea figuratively brings the soldiers together, merging their perspectives on each individual’s personal reasoning for fighting the British to suit the common cause for freedom. Paine further ponders these personal reasons with his audience, both engaging the soldiers with his speech and providing a forewarning fact for the soldiers to dwell upon as he speaks. He states, “let us reason the matter together: your conduct is an invitation to the enemy, yet not one in a thousand of you has heart enough to join” (Pain 3). Paine refers to the soldiers in a group of a thousand to emphasize the need for unity among them. An “every man for himself” situation would ensure defeat by the enemy, Paine details. Like-minded men banding together over a passionate cause, however, would reveal a newfound morale and excitement to achieve victory. Repeatedly promoting a notion of unity amongst men is one of many well-crafted strategies Thomas Paine uses to motivate his