1. Our focus as we read from The Crisis Number 1
Annotating with a purpose: let’s review the handout “Annotation Domination”
As with all non-fiction we want to read for:
Author’s purpose, claims, counterclaims, and support
Reading rhetorically:
audience analysis, diction (charged words, connotation)
Rhetorical appeals: logos, pathos, ethos
Analysis Work:
SOAPSTone, evidence of enlightenment ideals, summary, analysis

2. Diction, Connotation, Charged Words
Diction – The word choice of the author (determines tone)
Denotation – Dictionary definition of the word
Dry: free from moisture; not wet
Connotation – words or feelings associated with a word (changes between cultures, time periods, ages, genders, etc.)
Dry vs. barren > which has a more negative connotation?
Charged words – words that cause a Strong emotional reaction (must consider audience)
freedom, murder, tyranny

3. Subject Audience Speaker
occasion
Purpose

4. The Crisis Number 1 – December 1776
Paine’s rhetoric, designed to build morale among the soldiers, promises that the severity of their situation makes triumph more glorious. He also vows that God would never desert those who fight for just causes. He criticizes Tories for being short sighted, because he believes revolution to be inevitable. He praises those who stand fast in their opposition to England and calls all the states to put forth their best efforts to resist English rule. He labels those who step aside as evil, cold-hearted, cowardly, and unprincipled.

5. from The Crisis Number 1 by Thomas Paine
Speaker
Occasion
Audience
Purpose
Subject
Tone
Discuss with your groups and fill out what
you can without copying each other’s work.
Be as specific as possible.

6. from The Crisis Number 1 by Thomas Paine
Summarize What were Paine’s claims/arguments? quote from
Paine’s Claims the text.
Reasons What reasons does Paine provide to support his
Arguments? Provide evidence from the text.
rhetorical Which did he rely on
appeals the most? why do you think he did this?
Diction Focusing on charged words, what patterns did you
notice? How does the connotation of these
charged words effect Paine’s audience?

7. from The Crisis Number 1 by Thomas Paine
enlightenment What evidence from the text supports the
ideals ideals of the enlightenment? Explain.
Purpose How might this have served to inspire American troops?