Common Sense\" by Thomas Paine

¶ … Common Sense" by Thomas Paine Rhetorical Analysis

Rhetorical Analysis of Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" appears in conjunction with other works of literature that came out in 2002. In the writing, Paine reports that he in no ways wants to sway the opinions of the reader, yet he hopes to inform them and help bring clarity and understanding to the occurrences discussed in his writing. "I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense." This intro leads into a rather convincing essay.

Paine begins his essay with an entry that expresses that he has no issues to settle with the reader, he simply hopes to help the reader come to a new level of self-awareness that he or she may not have recognized before. Paine goes further and starts out by expressing that there is a plethora of information written on the conflicts between England and America. "Volumes have been written on... struggle between England and America." This technique establishes the essay as informative and formal. This is a great way to capture the reader's interest. In addition, the above-mentioned entry serves as background information for the first point that Paine makes in the following paragraph- that "Men of all ranks have embarked in the controversy... And the period of debate is closed. Arms... decide the contest."

Shortly after capturing the reader's interest with the introduction, Paine begins using contrasts. The numerous examples of the contrast throughout the essay portray the positives and negatives of Great Britain's influences. Paine expresses that America would still be the powerhouse it is with and without the support of Great Britain. "America has flourished under her former connection with Great Britain...America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power taken any notice of her." Paine uses contrast to illustrate the varying views of a wide variety of individuals.

It is clear to the reader that the views on the impact that Great Britain has had on America will remain divided, however it is evident that Paine wants to express that both sides are correct in their own ways of thinking.

Paine continues to explain that in the end we are all people, connected in some way even though we may not want to admit it. He continues to describe how though individuals have stated that they are friends; often the term comes with consequences and conditions. "In this extensive quarter of the globe, we forget the narrow limits of three hundred and sixty miles (the extent of England) and carry our friendship on a larger scale; we claim brotherhood..." It is clear to the reader that equality between the England and America will never exist as long as Great Britain continues to feel superior to America.

Half way through the essay, Paine makes a transition from discussing war, and how things came to pass, and begins to explain the importance of brotherhood, and when it is time to let go and move on. He begins to focus on the idea that men, no matter their location are actually quite similar to each other, if they just took the chance to acknowledge that fact. "A man born in any town in England divided into parishes, will... associate his fellow parishioners... By neighbor... A few miles away from home a townsman.... Out of the country... countryman...for England, Holland, Germany, or Sweden...Englishman.

Later into the essay Paine describes how reconciliation in peoples perspectives come with pros and cons, he describes how Great Britain would never be able to move forward without letting go, and moving forward " TIS TIME to PART." Paine explains that the next war may not be as kind on the people of Britain, therefore it is necessary to learn the errors of past views and perspectives in order to spare future generations and relationships between Great Britain and surrounding areas. Paine begins focusing on the effects of this continued perception of negativity on future wars. "The next war may not turn out like the last, and should it not, the advocates for reconciliation now will be wishing for the last..."

Paine uses this essay as a platform not only to inform the reader about the current situations concerning past and future wars, he also uses the essay as an opportunity to open the readers eyes to the similarities in man regardless of his location or circumstances. He expresses that the government and its rain like all things must end. "The authority of Great Britain over this continent is a form of government, which sooner or later must have an end.... As parents, we can have no joy, knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting."

It is easy to see that Paine is crying out for acknowledgment of his views that he wants to open the eyes of those in Great Britain and surrounding areas. He uses the entire essay to discuss the matter from several perspectives. This allows the reader to become familiar with the varying views of those throughout England and America.

Toward the end of the essay, Pain uses contrast and comparisons to depict the continued stress and strain between Great Britain and America. He first describes the situation, and then expresses how the conflict is on both sides of i.e. Great Britain and America.