Rhetoric Arguments In Thomas Paine's Common Sense

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is arguably one of the most important written documents in American history. His use of rhetorical devices and rhetorical appeals is unrivaled by any other historical writer. His use of “common sense” stresses how important his arguments are. It’s no wonder that Paine’s Common Sense didn’t go unnoticed – it does an extremely well job conveying the feeling that Paine intended readers to feel.
Paine starts out Common Sense by talking about nature and man’s natural rights. He talks of liberty and freedom, and pursuit of happiness. This is an extremely effective strategy for luring in readers. It connects the political situation with rights that all men should have from birth. More importantly, it shows how the current political state violates these natural God-given rights. This really helps his argument, as it

makes the readers feel already that something is not right.
Paine’s ability to use rhetorical appeals in his arguments is astounding. An example of pathos in his argument is his declaration that man’s God-given rights are being violated by the king’s rule. An example of ethos in his argument is his evidence that society would be much better if it were not being ruled by the tyrannical king. An example of logos in his argument is his evidence that government is a necessary evil, and should be kept in line by the people. It’s truly amazing that Paine was able to appeal to pathos, logos, and ethos with one argument.
Paine’s use of “Common Sense” in his writing is a brilliant argument in his favor.

It’s so powerful that he even named his pamphlet Common Sense. His use of common sense solidifies the idea that there is only one option – that in favor of his argument – so much so that it’s literally common sense as to which side is correct. A great example of this in the text is the line, “Common sense will tell us that the power which hath endeavoured to subdue us, is of all others the most improper to defend us.” This quote really lays down Paine’s idea of his argument being common sense. There are multiple other uses of “common sense” in Common Sense, including, “In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense,” which supports the fact that everyone should pretty much already know why Paine’s argument is correct, and, “To examine that connection and dependence, on the principles of nature and common sense, to see what we have to trust to, if separated, and what we are to expect, if dependent.” Which is further support that everything Paine is saying is common

sense.
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is one of the most influential documents in American history. He appeals to the mind with brilliant use of pathos, logos, and ethos. His use of “common sense” ties in wonderfully with his idea that everyone should be in support of his argument. Through extremely intelligent and clever arguing, Paine presents that there is truly only one option – that in favor of freedom, and breading away from the king. It’s safe to say that without Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the colonies may have never had the encouragement to break away from England.