Revolutionary Literature The Crisis, No. 1 ~Thomas Paine~

Background Published December 4th 1776 by Thomas Paine (Common Sense) Read widely by soldiers in the revolutionary armies First read to General Washington’s armies in 1776 One in a series of 16 political pamphlets criticizing the British and attempting to rally the soldiers. Written at a point when the colonists were losing, and many questioned whether they should give up. Background

What to note when reading… Notice how Paine connects himself to the cause and the war. Remember that Paine joined the Continental army in 1776 Paine’s use of allusions. Allusion – Definition: to make an indirect reference to a person, place, or event (real or fictional) Paine draws connections to biblical teachings as well as the British Declaratory Act. Ideals of Enlightenment / Patriotism What to note when reading…

Important Quotation Explained “These are times that try men’s souls.” Paine does an excellent job of invoking the soul in this matter, noting the significance of this time. Paine also alludes to the difficulties that the colonial armies are facing, and the understanding that some soldiers are wanting to quit. The next line also explains this – “Summer Soldier and Sunshine Patriot” Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; ‘tis dearness only that gives everything its value.” “Dearness” means difficulty in obtaining Paine is saying that the reward is sweeter because the task is so difficult, in reference to achieving independence. The statement is cliché, but it holds true in this case. Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “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,’…” This is an allusion to the Declaratory Act, passed in 1766, expanding the rights of British Parliament over the colonies. Next, Paine states that this is a form of slavery and that power can only belong to God. Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “but my secret opinion is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish…” Paine is making the claim that God is on the side of the Americans in this war. The irony of this is that the British believed that God was also on their side. Note also the comparison of rule by the British being Hell If this is true, then who is Satan? Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.” Understand the context: This is what Paine believes the Torie bartender should be saying. Paine also is distorting the bartender’s comments to make him sound cowardly. Paine does this to show how cowardly the British are. Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “Yet it is folly to argue against determined hardness. Eloquence may strike the ear… but nothing can reach the heart that is steeled with prejudice.” Paine is again referencing the Tories, the persons that opposed the American Revolution and sided with Britain. He is also noting that words can only go so far in resolving the conflict, and that the British will not understand what the Americans are going through. Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; but show your faith by your works.” In these lines lie two biblical allusions. Paine incorporates many of these into his writing. Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice…” These references are made towards those that will not fight in the war. Paine is using this strong language to force people into the military because the colonial armies are struggling. Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “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 it?” Great analogy by Paine as he views the British the same as he would a thief Paine also alludes to the Declaratory Act again Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “…but I should suffer the misery of devils, were I to make a whore of my soul by swearing allegiance to one whose character is that of a sottish, stubborn, stupid, worthless, brutish man.” This is an obvious reference to King George III. This also builds on some of the language in Common Sense where Paine first refers to the King as a “royal brute.” Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “There are persons too who see not the full extent of the evil which threatens them; they solace themselves with hopes that the enemy, if he succeeds, will be merciful. Is this the madness of folly, to expect mercy from those who have refused to do justice.” This is directed towards the loyalists that refuse to fight for Independance Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “Mutual fear is the principal link in the chain of mutual love, and woe be to that state that breaks the compact.” Fear was common in both the loyalists and patriots during the Revolution. Payne is invoking these fears to explain that the greater fear is what will happen after the war if they lose. Important Quotation Explained

Important Quotation Explained “This is our situation, and who will may know it. By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue.” Paine is clear about struggles of the Continental Army in the past, but he is trying to make it clear that they are now regrouped and ready for war. Paine is also appealing to the colonists to join the war effort. Important Quotation Explained