Thomas PaineCommon Sense

Warm Up Questions

Explain what the phrase, “The pen is mightier than the sword” means.

How could a writer influence people in a way that soldiers could not?

Based on the title of this pamphlet, what can you expect it says?

Chart

Create this chart in your notebooks. We will revisit this chart in a little bit

Appeals to Logic Appeals to Emotion

Chart

What does it mean to appeal to logic?

What does it mean to appeal to emotion?

Paine does this in his writing--appeals to both senses, thus appealing to the common man, as well as the elite people.

Thomas Paine

B. January 29, 1737 D. June 8, 1809 Born in Norfolk, England 1774--met Benjamin Franklin in London

– Franklin helped Paine come to America Paine settled in Philadelphia, and began a

career as a journalist January 10, 1776--published Common

Sense: Revolutionary propaganda

Thomas Paine

Paine’s House

Common Sense

Only in America for one year when he wrote this– Aligned himself with the cause immediately

Wrote for both the common man, and the well educated

Attacked the monarchy: King George “Royal Brute”--- all monarchs are corrupt

Called for no reconciliation with Britain Urged for a Declaration of Independence Wanted a republican constitution created His writings encouraged resistance and inspired

the Continental Army– Many joined after reading this

Common Sense

Group Activity

Look at the packet you were given Read the excerpts from Common Sense Use context clues to figure out words you do not

understand Then, work together on answering the questions. Also, answer these four questions as well---copy

these down All answers must be submitted on loose-leaf, and

written neatly. I will collect these at the end of the period

The group activity will be worth 50 points!!!

Questions

1. According to Thomas Paine, what is the “design and end” of government? What does he use to support his belief?

2. Describe Paine’s ideas about government. How does he feel about the monarchy? What problems does Paine see in a government by kings?

3. What does Paine believe about the infant state of the colonies?

4. What are Paine’s reasons for encouraging the colonies to declare their independence?