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The Crisis Thomas Paine Analysis

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Thomas Paine tries to persuade his readers into action by penning pamphlets that speak to the common man in a plainly written fashion against the tyranny of the British government, particularly against the monarchy. He is careful to not mention the word revolution in any of his writings. Instead he inspires the readers by focusing on the rights every colonist has to freedom and equality, and the need for a self-governing country. Paine utilizes the themes of God, justice, glory and honor, patriotism, and sacrifice in “The Crisis, No.1”. Words that glorify the revolutionary cause are “conquer”, “triumph”, and “glorious” (Paine 331); they fill the reader’s imagination with visions of a successful endeavor in which they and their future generations will freely prosper. Paine utilizes the idea of unity to achieve the ultimate goal of independence from England. He does this by harnessing his ability to employ words that inspire a sense of patriotism, such as “America”, “freedom”, “rebel”, “allegiance”, “brave”, and “fortitude” (Paine 331, 333-334). Paine knows his audience; he is well aware of their religious fervor as well as their strong Christian beliefs. By engaging words such as “Almighty”, “faith”, …show more content…

The words that emphasis this sacrifice are “destruction”, “calamities”, “orphan”, “widow”, “perish”, “slain”, “ravaged”, and “depopulated” (Paine 332, 335-336). Thomas Paine portrays the Tories and the King as “traitors”, “devils”, “murderers”, “highwaymen”, “housebreakers”, and “infidels” (Paine 332). These words provoke a sense of anger to the reader and makes his audience desire emancipation from such a tyrant as well as a cry for justice to take place. Paine’s use of diction is powerful and passionate, he draws the reader into his narrative and connects in a very profound

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