Common Sense free essay sample

Thomas Paine, born In England, immigrated to America In 1774 with the help of Benjamin Franklin. In Britains colonial America he took up a post as editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine. Equipped with grammar school education and experience publishing several political works, It Is clear how Paine possessed the literary skills to inspire action through hills words. He even distributed 4,000 copies of The Case of the Officers of Excise that fought for improved working conditions and pay. Furthermore, he had been ostracizes by several Jobs, and been through a divorce with his wife. These factors contributed to his sympathy, compassion, and anger regarding the Illinois plight. The beginning of the American Revolution can be traced back to the French and Indian war and the immense costs incurred on the British. As a direct result, harsh taxes were enacted on the colonies such as the infamous Townsend Acts of 1767. The Acts, which were repealed in 1770, proved to be a huge British error. After reading his points, I can understand English view, and how he is scared of the consequences that could come from becoming Independent. However, putting myself In the place of an angry Bostonian, who feels Intruded by a load of Red Coats, I would imagine myself to be overly moved by Toms writing. To the extreme that would want to grab a gun and head straight into war. One instance where Tom employs rhetoric is when he takes the argument that America has flourished under British Supremacy, therefore they must remain under their rule. He then uses a metaphor of a baby not eating meat since his drinking of milk was so nourishing.This metaphor which he uses, not only catches the readers attention, but it also helps the reader relate to what he is saying and allows them to understand his point better. Once having the readers attention, he goes to say that not having Britains presence may have been even more beneficial to their colonies. By using a simple metaphor he is able to have the reader easily understand his point, and is then able to enforce it even more. I can also take hold of how Paine used a certain event In history to enhance his position. The Stamp Act.By mentioning the Stamp Act, he Is already triggering the mind of the reader to think of the unjust acts which have been committed by the British towards their colonies. He then mentions how the acts were repelled, yet a decade later Parliament whipped out a new set of taxes. By causing the reader to feel anger for what Brutal has unjustly done to them. It Is easier to convince them of his point that reconcile can not be made with them. Although it may last temporarily, it will ultimately fail. From reading Toms and Reverend Charlies works, I derive two different tones. On Toms side I find a very well articulated argument.He seems extremely confident In hat he is saying and takes a very aggressive and opposing stance. If I ever spoke to him I would expect him to have a very eloquent persona, and a confident manner. On the other side, I didnt get the same feel from Reverend Charles English. Although he has his stance, I did not perceive the same amount of energy and enthusiasm I did from Planes. I would even say Charlies writing was hesitant. After reading Pains side of the argument, I was not anywhere affected in the view I took on the matter by 1 OFF of very important debate of declaring Americas independence from Britain.