THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. 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," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into as an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better. We did not make a proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state. However, the fault, if it were one, was all our own*; we have none to blame but ourselves. But no great deal is lost yet. All that Howe has been doing for this month past, is rather a ravage than a conquest, which the spirit of the Jerseys, a year ago, would have quickly repulsed, and which time and a little resolution will soon recover.
Paine, Thomas. "The Crisis, No. 1". <http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf>.
Reflection:
In this narrative, author Thomas Payne uses emotional, logical, and ethical arguments throughout his persuasive speech, The Crisis No. 1, in an attempt to jumpstart the American revolution. Payne generalizes America’s major problems with its mothering country, Britain, by suggesting that Britain is demonic, while America is holy. Payne is smart to connect with the public on a religious level, because many are already angry about the persecution they experienced in Europe, thus tapping into the emotions of the public. Payne is asking the community if they are going to continue to let Britain hinder them, or if they are going to fight back for what is right, which is not only a logical issue, but also an ethical one. Payne continues with the argument that God will win the war for them, because America is righteous and Britain is evil (furthering his ethical argument). Payne incorporates emotions, logic, and ethics in an attempt to convince the public that America should seek independence from Britain.
Dear Diary,
Father has been so busy lately. I never imagined that maintaining a plantation and joining a club would be so much work. However, he seems to appreciate having dinner with mother and I more than before. He is so very proud of himself; he loves to sit on the back porch with mother and point out all of his work on the fields and talk to her about the ideals of men like Mr. Henry. Sometimes, I like to hide and listen, but the things Father has to say trouble me ever so much! Father says that there must be a revolution, that our generation will bring about the change that America has needed for years. Father likes to shout, "This is the time to rise above our foe, we must fight!". It's not just father who feels this way, the longer I stay in America, the more negative comments I hear about Britain. At first, I believed them to merely be a form of hostility that many individuals still feel for Britain because they were forced to leave their homes and start anew. But the more time I spend amongst the town, the more I realize what is actually occurring. Britain is taking advantage of America. However, I remain frightened of this thought, I do not know what will happen to America. I am so worried of what a revolution would mean for us. I cannot believe I have had such a change of heart in this short time. Maybe, just maybe, people like Mr. Henry and Mr. Payne are on to something.
Paine, Thomas. "The Crisis, No. 1". <http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf>.
Reflection:
In this narrative, author Thomas Payne uses emotional, logical, and ethical arguments throughout his persuasive speech, The Crisis No. 1, in an attempt to jumpstart the American revolution. Payne generalizes America’s major problems with its mothering country, Britain, by suggesting that Britain is demonic, while America is holy. Payne is smart to connect with the public on a religious level, because many are already angry about the persecution they experienced in Europe, thus tapping into the emotions of the public. Payne is asking the community if they are going to continue to let Britain hinder them, or if they are going to fight back for what is right, which is not only a logical issue, but also an ethical one. Payne continues with the argument that God will win the war for them, because America is righteous and Britain is evil (furthering his ethical argument). Payne incorporates emotions, logic, and ethics in an attempt to convince the public that America should seek independence from Britain.
Dear Diary,
Father has been so busy lately. I never imagined that maintaining a plantation and joining a club would be so much work. However, he seems to appreciate having dinner with mother and I more than before. He is so very proud of himself; he loves to sit on the back porch with mother and point out all of his work on the fields and talk to her about the ideals of men like Mr. Henry. Sometimes, I like to hide and listen, but the things Father has to say trouble me ever so much! Father says that there must be a revolution, that our generation will bring about the change that America has needed for years. Father likes to shout, "This is the time to rise above our foe, we must fight!". It's not just father who feels this way, the longer I stay in America, the more negative comments I hear about Britain. At first, I believed them to merely be a form of hostility that many individuals still feel for Britain because they were forced to leave their homes and start anew. But the more time I spend amongst the town, the more I realize what is actually occurring. Britain is taking advantage of America. However, I remain frightened of this thought, I do not know what will happen to America. I am so worried of what a revolution would mean for us. I cannot believe I have had such a change of heart in this short time. Maybe, just maybe, people like Mr. Henry and Mr. Payne are on to something.
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