PSA #3 – Common Sense
PSA #3 – Common Sense
In his persuasive pamphlet, “Common Sense,” Thomas Paine advocates for independence of the American colonies from British rule. Published at the start of the American Revolution in 1776, Paine utilizes clear syntax and compelling rhetoric to persuade colonists to join the fight for independence from the British government. Published anonymously, the pamphlet immediately gained popularity in the colonies and many historians claim that it directly led to the American Revolution
Paine strives to create a connection between himself and his audience, the common man, in his rhetoric of the pamphlet. Paine develops an informal tone in the text of his pamphlet in order to further connect with his audience. He incorporates rhetorical questions and clear syntax to both call attention to the injustices committed by the British and to convince the readers of his arguments of revolution. He explains the pamphlet’s main purpose is to ultimately help the colonists and to bring awareness to the unjust treatment by the British. His introductory tone becomes slightly aggressive while urging the audience to not be “moderate men who think better of the European world than it deserves” (Paine). Without a clear distinction between British and American identities, colonists will never be free from under the crown. The metaphors Thomas Paine simplifies complex arguments by comparing them to familiar concepts. He includes the loyalist argument that because America has flourished under British rule, it is necessary for America to remain tightly bound to Britain.
However, Paine challenges the argument of colonial success under the crown by saying that because a “baby has flourished on milk, it should never eat meat?” (Paine). He argues that Britain protected the colonies for its own financial benefit, not out of selflessness and care for the people of the colonies. He furthers his argument by stating that if the colonies had not been dependent on Britain, then they would no longer be enemies with countries that are enemies of Britain. Therefore, the very condition of being Britain’s colony is what brought about the need for protection from Britain’s enemies in the first place. Paine’s inclusion of the prohibitions against the colonies successfully persuaded many colonists to join the revolutionary cause. Apart from his direct response to British rule, Paine reminds his audience that his call for action and revolutionaries is much more than simply a cry for independence, rather it is a call for a progressive national mindset. “Common Sense” reflects the political nature of the colonies at the time of the American revolution as well as reveals the lack of satisfaction of colonists concerning British rule.
