By 1776, soldiers were exhausted; their shoes were torn to shreds by long marches and heavy fighting, food rations were decreasing in size by the meal, and ammunition was being used up faster than it could be replaced. Soldiers, the heart of the American Revolution, were losing hope and faith, and the once powerful beating heart of the American cause would soon die out as no one believed that the war would end happily. Amidst the chaos, both Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine would stand and make speeches that would inspire the nation. Although both spoke to instill hope within the people, one speaker most definitely stood out to accomplish this: Thomas Paine. His genuine words would appeal to the distraught soldiers to continue on through difficulties, while Henry would …show more content…
make outrageous claims when people needed a pillar of hope. In the first essay of The Crisis, Thomas Paine uses strong rhetoric to effectively inspire his audience by emphasizing the importance of morality and respecting American values in comparison to Patrick Henry, whose rhetoric in his speech proves him to be disingenuous.
Pandering to religious sentiment through the incorporation of allusions and analogies, Paine appeals to the morality of American soldiers to ignite hope, whereas Henry weakens his cause through the use of hasty generalizations. Paine asserts that “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but ‘to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,’” alluding to The Declaratory Act, a document in which the Britain denied Americans any sense of sovereignty: an action that would force Americans to declare a war in order to gain independence (Paine). Able to remind devoted American citizens of past injustices, Paine rekindles the anger felt toward Britain, serving as a powerful driving tool for America as a whole to rectify the repression enforced by the current tyrannical regime. As a particularly abhorred declaration by most Americans, the allusion is incredibly effective as it is able to connect with a majority of the population. Additionally, Paine adds that “even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to
God” (Paine). By insinuating that Britain seemingly mocks religion by embracing the role of God, he creates the image that the British are profane beings. With almost his entire audience, as well as the rest of America having some religious ties, Paine influences his audience to come to a general consensus about their relationship with Britain; they are evil, and the Americans are righteous people that have the obligation to fight against evil. In doing so, Paine establishes an undisputable responsibility in which soldiers must continue to fight, with civilians and others needing to join the good and holy fight. Continuing his argument, Paine analogizes “King William [who] never appeared to full advantage but in difficulties and in action” to “General Washington…[who has] a natural firmness…[and whom] God hath blessed...uninterrupted health...and a mind that can even flourish upon care” (Paine). Paine seeks to compare the current American leader, George Washington, to King William, a man universally adored as a successful ruler, known to be able to persevere through the most difficult of times. By doing so, Paine attempts to elevate Washington’s capabilities and emphasize his durability, assuaging any fears within the soldiers and reestablishing faith in Washington. In addition, with the mention of God’s blessing of Washington, Paine further reassures the soldiers’ fears, as God is shown to be on their side. With the image of God’s almighty power guiding and fighting alongside the American Army in the form of General Washington, soldiers cannot help but feel inspired to continue the fight for good. Paine persuades Americans that victory is possible through faith, both in their war leader and God. On the other hand, Henry’s rhetoric backfires when he begins to question if “Great Britain [has] any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies” (Henry). The hypophora is immediately answered, “No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other” (Henry). Although he could have had an effective argument, Henry’s hasty generalization of the situation, instantly assuming that all of Britain’s ships must be directed at American soil, immediately invalidates any credibility he has in assessing the war situation. Drawing attention away from the moral issue of the war, Henry instead elects to conceive of hypothetical situations which undermine the purpose of the war, as he attempts to encourage people to fight not because they wish to protect the values of their nation, but because Britain desires a fight. This misusage by Henry proves that Paine’s use of allusion and analogy with religion is more effective in garnering support for the war. Paine appeals to pathos with metaphor, rhetorical question, and analogy to further strengthen his argument and appeal to the audience’s American values and identity, galvanizing the discouraged, fatigued soldiers to fight for what they believe in, yet Henry’s use of imagery is only directed to a group of apathetic and fearful politicians. Appealing to American values, Paine states America will “never be happy ‘till she gets clear of foreign domination. Wars, without ceasing, will break out ‘till that period arrives, and the continent must in the end be conqueror; for through the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire” (Paine). This metaphor comparing liberty to a flame that will never die motivates Americans to continue to battle despite impending defeat by Britain, as it reinforces the idea that American liberty lives in the people and will eventually be won from the British. By reminding them of their American pride and evoking hope in a time of despondency, Paine sparks the soldiers to fight for their liberty and right to happiness. Britain is cast in a negative light, seen as an obstacle to their freedom and happiness, and by appealing to his audience’s strong patriotism and American identity, Paine elevates their morale and enables them to find the spirit to fight their obstacles in return for freedom. Moreover, Paine continues to appeal to American values when he asks, “but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to ‘bind me in all cases whatsoever,’ to his absolute will, am I to suffer?” (Paine) Paine appeals to the colonists’ values of wanting justice, by using this powerful analogy to incite their strong desire for what is right and directing anger towards Britain. This usage of analogy evokes emotion even further by allowing the colonists to picture the situation of the war in a setting closer to home, strengthening the impact of his words. Combining it with a rhetorical question, Paine draws attention to the issue of staying passive while they are being mistreated by Britain and provokes thought from the colonists, making them question their future and obligations to their country and themselves. He motivates them to stand up to Britain just as they would to an immoral thief instead of suffering in silence and letting evil occur by targeting his audience’s deeply entrenched American values of independence and justice. However, Henry directs his speech at a group of politicians who have yet to endure the difficulties of the war effort. When he describes the “effectual resistance” as people “lying supinely on [their] backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope until [the] enemies shall have bound [them] hand and foot” (Henry). In an attempt to gain more soldiers, Henry insults the current war effort. His descriptive imagery only further offends soldiers and others who have given their lives to support the war. Additionally, he mocks the people who should join the war rather than encourage them. This proves to be an ineffective strategy, displaying that Paine’s essay, embedded with rhetorical strategies to sympathize with soldiers and encourage citizens, is more persuasive and useful for the war than Henry’s speech, which only attacks those who have been to fearful to take action and mocks the efforts of those who have sacrificed for the war. Paine establishes a more convincing argument to the audience in comparison to Henry due to his immense passion towards the importance of morality and values for Americans. By doing so, Paine revitalizes the spirit of the war in a time of desperation. Ignoring the moral aspects of the war, Henry’s speech lacks the true purpose of fighting and serves as a detriment to the overall effectiveness. Paine, on the other hand, connects with Americans, reminding them that fighting the war is also fighting intrinsic evil and is a necessity to becoming a true American. When troops were near death at Valley Forge, discouraged and ready to surrender, and American citizens hopeless, Thomas Paine, not Patrick Henry, encouraged Americans to continue on. In difficult times, Henry only insulted the people’s lack of effort, whereas Paine came in, both comforting and enheartening the American people. Timing, strong rhetoric, and empathy ultimately prove that Paine’s essay was more effective to the advancement of the war effort.
Paine’s use of language to appeal both to his reader’s reason and emotion has given him the advantage of creating an emotional connection between himself and the reader, attempting to raise their spirits and show them what could be, while also asking them to put their own minds to the problem at hand. Asking them to make sense of their current situation. He gives hope and then appeals to their ability to discern what is best for their new world. By doing this, he has presented reason after reason for them to declare independence before he practically turned to them and said “Don’t you think so?” the only ‘reasonable’ answer would at that point be, “Yes of course Mr. Paine you’re completely right!”
Patrick Henry was known as “the Orator of Liberty” and created his name with his speeches. When colonists were divided in 1775, some were hoping to work it out but not Patrick Henry. He thought the only choice was to go to war with Great Britain. Henry uses ethos, pathos, and logos to show his clause for going to war with Britain.
Thomas Paine is undoubtedly one of the most prolific founding fathers of the United States, albeit not in the manner most would expect from a founding father. Paine was not a drafter of the constitution, nor was he an early member of Congress or President of the United States. However, Paine did have a profound impact on society, not only in America, but also abroad. Often remembered for helping spur the American Revolution, yet not as often remembered for the other revolution in France. Two of the more famous writings from Paine are, of course, Common Sense and The Rights of Man, both of which were written during revolutionary times in separate countries. It goes without saying that when a revolution is taking place there will be many on both sides of the war; in both of these instances, Paine was the voice of the people and stood up for what was right regardless of the consequences. I posit Thomas Paine was the most influential man for revolution in America and France despite fear of backlash or imprisonment. In fact, near the end of his life Paine was not only imprisoned, but somehow evaded being beheaded as well. Thomas Paine was even more influential as a result of his extreme lack of self-interest and ability to stay true to the cause of his writings rather than wither away in fear.
In a time full of chaos, desperation, and dissenting opinions, two definitive authors, Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry, led the way toward the American Revolution. Both men demanded action of their separate audiences. Paine wrote to inspire the commoners to fight while Henry spoke extemporaneously to compel the states’ delegates to create an army. Despite the differences between the two, both had very similar arguments which relied heavily upon God, abstract language, and ethos. In the end, both men were able to inspire their audiences and capture the approval and support of the masses. If not for these two highly influential and demanding men, the America that we know today might not exist.
The language used in Common Sense is that of a leader hoping to inspire his followers to heed his warning and answer his call. Paine's audience was the people of the colonies, he wanted them to realize that the oppression of the crown has not limit and sure there were benefits of belonging to the crown, there were far more oppression beyond measure that comes with such benefits.
Thomas Paine’s objective in “The American Crisis” is to persuade Americans to untie and take action in ridding America of British control; his writings effectiveness is due primarily to his employment of religious diction, vivid imagery, a sentimental anecdote, an urgent tone, as well as his consistent exploitation of his audiences’ emotions.
As the remaining army retreated after Washington, one man was given leave in hopes he could create a masterpiece of persuasion and maybe give the downtrodden troops a refueled fighting spirit. And spirit they were given. The rhetorical devices used by Thomas Paine in his series of essays titled The American Crisis served to reignite the flame of revolution in the hearts of a discouraged people, and played an essential role in the outcome of the American Revolution.
Thomas Paine was one of the great supporters of the American Revolution. He was a journalist and used his pen and paper to urge the public to break free from Great Brittan. He wrote anonymously, yet addressed the public as he spoke out about his beliefs. The first pamphlet he published, influencing independence from Brittan, was called Common Sense
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson appeals to patriotism. Jefferson ensures this by persuading the colonists to become self-governing. He tries to let all of the people of the New World understand that they have protested and defended themselves against the British for all of the corrupt acts the British have committed upon the colonists. Jefferson’s tone in the Declaration of Independence portrays how tiresome he has grown of the British rule after all of the deception towards Americans. Included within the idea of patriotism, is the idea of loyalty to the fundamental values and principles underlying American democracy. Thomas Paine also provides patriotism to get advocates for the movement to separate from the British forces. Correspondingly, Paine persuades Americans that they will prosper in numerous areas without the control of the British saying, “Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No to this question is an independent, for independency means no more, than, whether we shall make our own laws…” (Paine). Paine uses a demanding tone to convince Americans that if they should accept the ties with Britain, it will bring ruin and distress to the
Paine had not entertained the idea of independence from Britain when he arrived in America. He thought it was “a kind of treason” to break away from Britain. It was not until the Battle of Lexington in 1775 that he considered “the compact between Britain and America to be broken” (Claeys). This idea of a broken compact allowed Thomas Paine to write a political pamphlet.
He questioned the reason why the colonialists could not break ties with Britain. He highlighted all the hardships and believe by many that England and its monarch be believed and revered. Thomas Paine also incorporates religion into his style to all people to his viewpoint the king’s rule is unrighteous “ given us up to the devils” (Digital History). He also mentioned fear as a factor that Britain had employed in other parts, but he thanks God he knew the situation well (Digital History). A Thomas Paine argument was that colonialists should continue fighting even in the face of defeat because giving up would be a greater price pay. According to Thomas Paine, America “will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion.” and America will be in a “worse ruin than any we have yet thought of,” if the colonies don’t unite and continue fighting Britain. This point of view is helpful in understanding how his ideas worked to give an extra push for independence and foresee the crises that would come during the war.
During 1776, the United States was at war to gain its own independence from the hands of the tyrant King George III and his kingdom. As the fightt continued, the spirits of the U.S. soldiers began to die out as the nightmares of winter crawled across the land. Thomas Paine, a journalist, hoped to encourage the soldiers back into the fight through one of his sixteen pamphlets, “The American Crisis (No.1)”. In order to rebuild the hopes of the downhearted soldiers, Thomas Paine establishes himself as a reliable figure, enrages them with the crimes of the British crown, and, most importantly evokes a sense of culpability.
Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Convention” is one of the most quoted speeches of all time. Its famous emotion and rhetoric make it that way. Thomas Paine is also one of the great literary figures of the day, but Henry’s speech is more persuasive through his more meaningful rhetorical elements. These include parallelism, rhetorical questions, and most certainly his pathos.
Thomas Paine Vs. Edmund Burke The differences between Thomas Paine and Edmund Burke’s assertions on politics revolve around the two men’s views on the necessity of the French Revolution of between 1789 and 1799. Apparently, the social and political upheaval that shook France in the ten years questioned the absolute Monarchial rule of the French Monarch and in turn, sought to destroy the social hierarchies defined by the aristocrats. In other words, power was subject to the lineage in which an individual is born and for that reason, social infrastructures remained rigid with little to no mobility for the low-class citizens.
The differences between Thomas Paine and Edmund Burke’s assertions on politics revolve around the two men’s views on the necessity of the French Revolution. Apparently, the social and political upheaval that shook France in the ten years questioned the absolute monarchial rule of the French, and in turn, sought to destroy the social hierarchies defined by the aristocrats. In other words, power was subject to the lineage in which an individual is born and for that reason, social infrastructures remained rigid with little to no mobility for the lower-class citizens. In answer to the changes sought out by the rebelling French communities, Edmund Burke’s release of the “Reflections on the Revolution in France” in 1790 depicted the man’s careful