Paine excerpt from Common Sense

Q1: Though this is not Thomas Paine’s entire work, consider these first two paragraphs part of the introduction to his writing. Based on these statements, what do you expect him to write about?

Based on the first two paragraphs of the excerpt, I expect Paine to write about the political and economic relationship between the American colonies and Great Britain. He seems to be arguing that the colonies are being treated unfairly by the British government, and that they should declare their independence.

Q2: Paine uses a writing tool called rhetoric, with this line “The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind”. What is it? What is his intent with the use of rhetoric here?

The rhetorical device used in this line is generalization. Paine is generalizing the cause of the American Revolution to be the cause of all mankind. This is a powerful rhetorical device because it appeals to the audience’s sense of empathy and solidarity. It suggests that the American Revolution is not just about the rights of the American colonists, but about the rights of all people.

Q3: What is the context of Paine’s statement here? “Mankind being originally equals in the order of creation.” What is your reaction to it? How does this statement relate to today’s issues?

The context of this statement is Paine’s argument that the American colonists are entitled to the same rights as the British people. He is arguing that all people are created equal, and that this equality should be reflected in the political and economic systems of the world.

I agree with Paine’s statement that all people are created equal. I believe that this is a fundamental principle of human rights, and that it should be the basis for all political and economic systems.

This statement is still relevant today. There are many parts of the world where people are not treated equally, and where their basic human rights are not respected. We should continue to fight for the principle of equality, and for the day when all people will be treated with dignity and respect.

Q4: Paine discusses his view of mankind and specific distinctions. List the distinctions and the characteristics of them as Paine sees them. Link them to present day, if you cannot, explain why?

Paine discusses three distinctions between people:

• Rich and poor: Paine argues that the distinction between rich and poor is not a natural one, but is instead the result of human institutions. He believes that the rich have been enriched at the expense of the poor, and that this is unjust.
• Subject and sovereign: Paine argues that the distinction between subject and sovereign is also not a natural one, but is instead the result of human institutions. He believes that all people are equal, and that no one should be subject to the rule of another.
• Prejudice: Paine argues that prejudice is a destructive force that divides people and prevents them from seeing each other as equals. He believes that we should overcome our prejudices and treat each other with respect.

The distinctions between rich and poor, subject and sovereign, and prejudice are still relevant today. We continue to see these distinctions in the world, and they continue to cause problems. We need to continue to fight for equality and justice, and to overcome our prejudices.

Q5: Paine is discussing his problem with one distinction of mankind in particular. Which distinction is a problem for him? What is the problem as Paine sees it? Does this have relevance today? Explain?

The distinction that Paine is most concerned with is the distinction between rich and poor. He believes that this distinction is unjust, and that it prevents people from being treated equally.

This distinction is still relevant today. There is a great deal of inequality in the world, and this inequality leads to problems such as poverty, crime, and social unrest. We need to continue to fight for equality, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Q6: What is Paine asking of his audience in this conclusion? Does this match his introduction?

In the conclusion, Paine asks his audience to “receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind.” He is asking them to welcome people who are fleeing from oppression, and to create a new society where all people can be free.

This matches his introduction, in which he argued that the cause of America is the cause of all mankind. He is calling on his audience to join the fight for freedom and equality, not just for the American colonists, but for all people.