Text Analysis: The Crisis by Thomas Paine, December 1776

What is the author arguing?

Thomas Paine is arguing that the colonists should unite to fight against Britain.  He says that British rule over the colonies is like slavery or bondage.  He states that no man or king should have such unlimited power as the Britain to bind man in “all cases whatsoever” to “his absolute will.”  He states that it is tyranny and evil.

He is also arguing that Americans must to continue to fight in the face of defeat or there will be a higher price to pay for their submission to Britain.  They should fight because America “will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion.”  He also gives the reason that America will be in a “worse ruin than any we have yet thought of,” if they do not continue to fight for their independence.   He states that if they do not fight they will face a worse evil like “slavery without hope” under British rule.

How does the author appeal to logos, pathos, and ethos?

Thomas Paine uses powerful and provoking words to appeal to the emotions of the colonists.  For example, he compares British rule to “slavery.”  He also says that living under British rule is like “hell,” and “tyranny.”  He uses such strong words to appeal to anger or stir anger among the colonists so that they will unite to fight for the cause.

He also uses a lot of short but powerful statements of truth or principles to appeal to logic and pathos.  For example, “tyranny, like hell is not easily conquered,” which is meant to say the fight against evil is not always easy.  Another example is, “what we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly,” meaning that if you gain something easily than you will have less appreciation for it.  In this case, he saying that there will be a higher cost for liberty but it will be highly appreciate it.   He is also making an emotional appeal when he states, “the heart that feels not now is dead, the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrink back a time when a little might have saved the whole.”  This is a very strong powerful statement which implies that those who are not fighting or supporting the war are “cowards.”  They also will be cursed by their children, who will have to deal with the conflict.

What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?

This document is historically significant because it was distributed all over the colonies to inspire, encourage, and support Americans to continue to fight the war for independence despite many defeats.   It was written in support for independent and democracy for America during the Revolutionary war.  It is also important because there were many colonists who did not believe in separation from Britain but this writing helped to persuade them to change their minds and fight for independence.

Do you find the author’s argument convincing?

I find his argument convincing because I believe freedom is a basic human right that no king or government should be able to take away.  His argument is convincing because he writes with so much confident about his position.  He states, “I fear not, I see no real fear.  I know our situation well.”   He sounds courageous and willing to face whatever comes his way for freedom and liberty for his country.