Thomas Paine: The Crisis No. 1

excerpt from "The Crisis No. 1" by Thomas Paine
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine
patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that
stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like
hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder
the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem
too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how
to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial
an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. 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," and if being bound in that manner, is
not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the
expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.

Paine, Thomas. "Selection from “The Crisis, No. 1” by Thomas Paine". April 16, 2008. http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf.

REFLECTION: Thomas Paine is not only urging, but challenging his people. He claims that the average soldier will not fight this battle, but only the true Americans. The comparison of the war to Hell is certainly a blunt but truthful way to put it; and I would agree with him, that being under British rule and law fits the description of slavery. Of all that is said, I feel the most important reason he stated for going to war is the fact that Britain is NOT God, but they continue to assume His duties! As Paine says, freedom is valuable, even though people take it for granted today.

DEAR DIARY: I read the most inspiring words today;it was in a pamphlet I found among my father's belongings. These words made me realize that we must fight for our freedom. Britain has no good intentions; we can try to hide that as long as we want, but when Americans are living in poverty there will be no ignoring it. If I were more than a teenage girl, I would get myself involved, but we all know that is not an option. Despite my encouraging disposition, I cannot hide the pit in my stomach that tells me our losses will be great, whether or not they are worth our efforts.

LOGOS/ETHOS/PATHOS: Paine highly appeals to all three concepts. He uses his discussion of putting value on freedom to logically prove why the fight is so important. Then he challenges his audience, and puts emphasis on words implying great emotion, to evoke a certain emotion that will prove his point. But throughout the whole speech, his grammar and speech remain clear, sincere, and appropriate. This is a successful speech.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: Had no one spoken up and had America not fought for freedom, today's communities and customs might not have existed at all. All these "dead guys" we always complain about learning about fought our most difficult battle for us. It ultimately shaped American society.