Thomas Paine - multiple choice questions

Read the excerpt from the The Crisis, Number I. "Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place." Which best describes Paine's use of figurative language in this excerpt? Paine uses hyperbole to emphasize that there is strong colonial support for American independence. Paine uses metaphor to illustrate why America must gain independence from Britain. Paine uses hyperbole to describe the ways in which independence will benefit most of the colonists. Paine uses metaphor to express the fact that the majority of colonists believe in American independence.

Paine uses hyperbole to emphasize that there is strong colonial support for American independence.

Read the excerpt from Common Sense. "Some Massanello may hereafter arise, who, laying hold of popular disquietudes, may collect together the desperate and the discontented, and by assuming to themselves the powers of government may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge." In the excerpt, Paine compares a deluge—a torrential downpour—to the actions of a group of men to illustrate their force. intentions. numbers. pride.

force

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light." Paine most likely uses this language to convince his audience that he is completely confident in his reasoning. his reasoning is supported by many others. his reasoning is influenced by the laws of nature. their reasoning is flawed if they disagree with him.

he is completely confident in his reasoning.

Read the excerpt from Common Sense. "Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?" The word "expires" tells the reader that Paine believed the colonies' separation from Britain was inevitable. concerning. dangerous. fixable.

inevitable

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it." In this excerpt, Paine uses hyperbole to inspire his readers to persevere. warn readers of the difficulties ahead. teach readers how to survive cold weather. describe the sacrifices readers must make.

inspire his readers to persevere.

Read the excerpt from Thomas Paine's "Common Sense." Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever? Paine's use of phrases such as "little remains," "relationship expires," and "quarrel over" suggest that his purpose is to

inspire the colonies to progress without British support

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "I am as confident as I am that God governs the world that America will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion. Wars without ceasing will break out till that period arrives, and the continent must in the end be conqueror; for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire." Paine uses metaphor to demonstrate that... the colonists will never know true joy. the fight for independence is never-ending. the concept of freedom will never cease to exist. Britain will never stop pursuing control of the colonies.

the concept of freedom will never cease to exist.

Read the excerpt from Common Sense. "There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did." Paine uses this language to show that the king deserves punishment for his behavior toward the colonies. the king's oppressive actions against the colonies are inexcusable. the colonists will mend their relationship with the king if he promises them independence. the colonies will eventually heal from the wounds inflicted by the king.

the king's oppressive actions against the colonies are inexcusable.

Read the excerpt from Common Sense. "In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense." What is the purpose of the words "simple," plain," and "common"? to persuade readers of his point of view to encourage only serious readers to continue to demonstrate his impressive intellect to appeal to as large an audience as possible

to appeal to as large an audience as possible

In paragraph three of Common Sense, why does Paine use the phrases "precariousness of human affairs," "while we have it in our power," and "time and chance"? to evoke in colonists a fear of fighting against a world superpower to evoke in colonists the need for urgency in their quest for independence to instill in colonists a desire to take up arms against their oppressor to instill in colonists a respect for peaceful negotiations

to evoke in colonists the need for urgency in their quest for independence

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "The heart that feels not is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole and made them happy." What is the purpose of the figurative language in this excerpt? to evoke in the audience admiration for those who aid and comfort the needy to evoke in the audience concern for the safety of children and loved ones to evoke in the audience shame for placing self-preservation above the good of the community to evoke in the audience anger at children who disrespect the authority of their parents

to evoke in the audience shame for placing self-preservation above the good of the community

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death." Which best describes the purpose of this excerpt? to explain Paine's moral justification for the war to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence to encourage colonists to consider a peaceful solution to emphasize the hardships that come with fighting for a cause

to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I. "I call not upon a few but upon all—not on this state or that state, but on every state—up and help us. . . . Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and repulse it." Paine's purpose in issuing this plea is to... draw attention to the differences that exist among colonists from different states. unite the colonists in support of continuing the fight for independence. encourage the colonists to wait for better times in the spring. warn the colonists of the danger of a British attack during the winter months.

unite the colonists in support of continuing the fight for independence.