Common Sense

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Common Sense

The persuasion towards independence represented through the pamphlet Common Sense, is largely effective. The work portrays the unjust treatment received by the colonies from the mother country, England. Thomas Paine begins with the creation of government, as lived by the colonist, and progresses to the wrongful acts administered by Parliament and the King of England. Finally, Thomas Paine gives confidence to the unity of the colonies, and details a forceful removal of English authority.

The argument is set up extensively in the commencement of the pamphlet. Thomas Paine explains how the colonies began governing themselves. The natural governing solution for the people of the new world was a representative government. It was explained that an appointed King did not necessarily have the peoples values in mind. This groundwork laid the path for the argument to take place. It is portrayed that the people of the colonies existed in harmony, and dealt with their own problems in ways that suited the majority. Paine explains how disruptive it is for a single man, a King, to rule and govern a colony hundreds of miles away. This is obvious and logical. "To be always running three or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting four or five months for an answer, which when obtained requires five or six more to explain it

in". (90)

To worsen the situation of the King, heredity succession exists in a monarchy. "To the evil of monarchy we have added that of hereditary succession; and as the first is a degredation and lessening of ourselves, so the second, claimed as a matter of right, is an insult and an imposition on posterity." (76) This statement explains how the first King, or chosen King migh...

... middle of paper ...

...d difficult; but, like all other steps which we have already passed over, will in a little time become familiar and agreeable".

Thomas Paine effectively supported his thesis in Common Sense. His reasoning was simple, and for the most part to the point. I do not believe the peace was oversimplified or over objective. Paine lays his arguments down in logical order in that one point leads to another. Paine is disgusted with a monarchy, and very supportive of a representative government. He feels England is abusing the colonists with high taxes and large trade quotas. Many petitions have been issued to the mother country with no success or progress to be reported. Paine is convinced this torture will continue until the colonies unite and declare independence. His foresight is convincing, his argument is well taken, and the thought of the outcome is intriguing.

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