The Crisis 'And An Indian Without Reservation'

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Brahm Gambill Cassandra Farmer English 11 17 March 2023 Early American Ideals in Literature Americans have historically valued freedom over conformity, which has helped shape the ever-growing, capitalistic world power that America has become. These values are reflected in the writings of American Colonists and Indians such as “The Crisis”, by Thomas Paine and "An Indian Without Reservation ''. “The Crisis” is a persuasive essay that convinces the reader to fight for the States in the upcoming Revolutionary War. In the read, Paine primarily uses emotion to give his argument merit. In “An Indian Without Reservation”, the poet, who is Indian, cries out against conformity, and as the poem progresses, he becomes more accepting and even proud of …show more content…

“The Crisis” argues strongly that he should rise to fight the British and go to war against the “army to enforce [their] tyranny” (Paine 160-161). Paine's use of strong language attempts to convince the reader not to do the easy thing by conforming. Paine also writes about the freedom that will be enjoyed by future generations, writing “a generous parent should have said, ‘If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace’” (Paine 161). This utilizes pathos to guilt the reader into believing that their children will have a more difficult life if they do not act now. The “trouble” that Paine mentions is the oppressive British government which he hopes to drive out. Paine advocates the fight for freedom so that future generations can …show more content…

Paine writes, “for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire” (Paine 161). Liberty is compared to a flame that may at times go out but will never truly cease. Liberty will always burn strongest in the hearts of those that refuse to conform. Liberty will always burn bright in the people that choose to “[come] forth to repulse” the “common danger” even through times “when nothing but hope and virtue could survive” (Paine 161). Using language like this “The Crisis” indirectly applauds those who fight for freedom by praising freedom itself. This praise helped to establish the values our nation would celebrate for years to come. “An Indian Without Reservation” is a poetic cry against conformity but for freedom; however, not literal freedom. The poet utilizes logos to renounce conformity stating,