Paine And Inglis Comparison Essay

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In 1776, tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain were high. A war was brewing. There were those who desired independence, such as Thomas Paine, and there were those, like Charles Inglis, who wanted to remain loyal to Great Britain. Both Paine and Inglis penned influential works to the colonists in regards to preserving their way of life. Inglis wrote The Deceiver Unmasked as a rebuttal to Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, because he understood the far reaching effects the pamphlet could have on the public. Common Sense was an emotional appeal to a population in which emotional tensions were high. Through discrediting Paine, elevating himself, and arguing both sides of the conflict, Inglis effectively emphasizes the need for the colonists to think logically and thoroughly before a war broke out. In order to refocus the colonists, Inglis discredited Paine and his pamphlet, Common Sense, writing that, “…[Paine] gives vent to his own private resentment and ambition, and recommends a scheme which must infallibly prove ruinous.” Inglis portrayed Paine as a man expressing personal complaints. Inglis did not give Paine any credit for being patriotic. Instead, he described Paine as having “…a rage that knows no limits…” and …show more content…

He wrote, “…My most ardent wish – next to future happiness – is to see tranquility restored in America…” This statement showed that Inglis wanted what was best for the country. Inglis went to great lengths to elevate his words over those of Paine. Inglis needed to give the colonists a reason to view The Deceiver Unmasked as superior to Common Sense. This was the reason behind arguing in a different manner than Paine. Inglis made a better argument because he utilized logos and created a sound argument. Paine’s argument was simply passionate. Yet again, Inglis highlighted logical

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