Common Sense Primary Source Critique Essay

Words: 881
Pages: 4
Open Document
Primary Source Critique: Jacobs, Harriet Ann (“Linda Brent”), Common Sense
Due: November 10, 2013

Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, is a pamphlet that was written in 1775-76. Paine’s purpose for this writing was to be an encouragement to the general people of the thirteen colonies to seek declaration of their independence from Great Britain. Paine’s desire to connect with the common people is evident in his plain and easy to understand writing style; he wrote in an educated, but straight-forward manner. Dubbed a “political quack” by Loyalist, James Chalmers of Maryland in the Plain Truth (New), and accused of producing a “crapulous mass” by none other than John Adams, we see just two examples of the many attacks on Paine, who prevailed to …show more content…
After his continuance of instigating American desires, he lays out the practicalities and proposal of a congress.
In Section IV, On the Present Ability of America, with some Miscellaneous Reflections, Paine gives his thoughts on his military views. He remains optimistic with his conviction that, “It is not in numbers but in unity, that our great strength lies” (Paine, n.pag.). He continues with a detailed navy plan, incorporating the use of American resources available.
In Common Sense, Paine successfully demonstrates his ability to be a voice of the people, who is his intended audience. He adequately expresses a general moral and spiritual communication of the majority in terms of equality and natural rights. He tries, and does, get his message across by using simple terms to inspire a fight for independence. Through the publication, Paine validated American Revolution and gave a common revelation to the people. He was able to organize the sentiment and passion of all into a brilliant composition, while foreshadowing the perpetual doom of continued British rule. It may be said that he was a substantial contributor to the independence of a great nation, and his spirit of equality and national commitment live on today.

Works Cited
New, M. Christopher. "James Chalmers and Plain Truth A Loyalist Answers Thomas Paine". "Archiving Early America”. Retrieved November 6, 2013. Paine, Thomas. "Common
Show More

Related Documents: Common Sense Primary Source Critique Essay

Good Law Assignment Essay examples

SOME TIPS ON WRITING LAW ASSIGNMENTS What are the objectives of the Law assignment? * How is it assessed? * What are common student problems? * What do I need to read? * What are the differences between legal writing and other kinds of writing? * What are the best ways of using sources? * What are the features of legal argument? * How do I think critically in Law? * How should I discuss policy…

Words 3760 - Pages 16

John Locke Innate Ideas

Evaluate the application of Locke’s critique of innate ideas with explicit reference to Descartes The debate surrounding innate ideas is not a recent controversy in philosophy as opinions have been known to differ on whether the mind is born with innate knowledge, or whether knowledge is learned. Seventeenth century philosophers John Locke and Rene Descartes held conflicting views on the topic of innatism, with Locke arguing against the idea and Descartes supporting it. This essay will explore…

Words 2030 - Pages 9

Outline: Rhetoric and Raymie E. Mckerrow Essay

opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with,…

Words 2470 - Pages 10

Essay about World Historical Geography

based on the examination of evidence. Indeed, too often history is understood to be an activity that seeks simply to preserve all the human events of the past and to secure these occurrences in a sequential and proper chronological order. In this sense, history is too often taught as one fact after the other. Yet history is not a reiteration or transcription of every instance and event that has taken place over the course of time. While most of the instances and events of the human past have left…

Words 6126 - Pages 25

Research Task

research is developing and changing to suit your latest findings. You must critique your focus questions continually. 3. TAKE NOTES (EITHER HANDWRITTEN OR WORD PROCESSED. Your evidence MUST contain clear evidence of understanding, interpretation and its relevance to the topic. Use of separate columns is a good way to achieve this. Don’t forget to record sources accurately. Your student diary has a clear guide to how different sources are referenced and recorded. 4. IF PHOTOCOPIES ARE INCLUDED, THEY MUST…

Words 2474 - Pages 10

SCOM 240 study quid Essay

close reading, coding, historical analysis. SIGNS. MIDDLE OF THE ROAD 5. Socio-Cultural- As the creation and enactment of social reality. Interview, close reading, survey. INTERPRETIVE 6. Critical- As a reflective challenge of unjust discourse. Critique of: control of language to perpetuate power imbalance, role of mass media in dulling sensitivity to injustice, blind reliance on the scientific method and uncritical acceptance of empirical findings. INTERPRETIVE 7. Phenomenological- experience…

Words 1389 - Pages 6

Essay on Cfi Oral Plan of Action

CFI-I Oral Plan of Action Objective: Discussion of the elements related to Basic fundamentals of Fundamentals of Instruction, Technical Subject Areas, Preflight Planning. Contents: Fundamentals of Instruction Review Certificates and Documents Airworthiness Requirements Weather Information IFR Cross-Country Flight Planning National Airspace Technical Subject Areas Regulations and Publications Operations of Systems Aeromedical Aircraft Systems, Flight Instruments, and Navigational…

Words 17490 - Pages 70

Essay on Human and Nearest Robot Province

glanced at it. As the robot lay in the sun, it stayed deep in shutdown, until two days later it finally powered on. The robot looked around, confused, not knowing where it was. It dragged itself to the edge of the city, gasping for breath, looking for a source of a power to keep going. The robot did not recognise the city, nor could it remember its own model number. The robot’s only goal was to find power and shelter, and a city that appeared to have no robots would not be a big help. The robot found…

Words 1684 - Pages 7

How Are Culture and Leadership Linked Essay

which nations are viewed as individualistic, meaning they are a loosely bonded society in which individuals only care for themselves (Kirkman, Lowe and Gibson, 2006) or more collectivist, by which the organisation is more family like and there is a sense of interdependency (King and Lawley, 2013). Leaders in collectivist societies are likely to be paternalistic whereas leaders in individualistic cultures are likely to be driven by achievement and participative leadership will be used (Shanthi, 2009)…

Words 2198 - Pages 9

Citation and Essay

sourced from the library, either through those old fashioned things called books, or else through journal databases. Newspaper and magazine articles are not valid academic sources. The only times they should be cited is, when they mention a factual detail that is important to making your argument or to assess the ‘common sense’, journalistic and ‘public’ opinions regarding a particular topic. Please be aware that final essays that don’t at least show an attempt at appropriate in-text referencing…

Words 2832 - Pages 12