Question

Read the passage.

"But Where says some is the king of America? I'll tell you, friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Great Britain."

How does Thomas Paine structure his argument that the colonies should be independent in this excerpt from Common Sense?


He uses an appeal to the King of England's authority

He uses an appeal to God's authority.

He uses logic to express that independence would only bring havoc to the colonies

He uses logic to express that the colonists have made havoc during their time in America

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Paine makes the remark in the second sentence that the only king America has is God who does not create Havoc as George III is doing (the Royal Brute of Great Britain).

A: He is not appealing to the King. The kind at this point is beyond appeal.

B: B is the answer. He expresses the notion that the only king in America is God Almighty who brings no havoc to anyone in America.

C: He does not use logic to say that he would bring havoc to the colonies.

D: He says no such thing, logical or otherwise.

Answer 2

The answer is indeed B) He uses an appeal to God's authority.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas Paine structures his argument based on a question: where is the king of America? He defends the point of view that the king of America is none other than God himself. God is the one who "reigns above" and the only king America needs. Paine contrasts God's reign and the British King's. He calls the latter the "Royal Brute of Great Britain" who, unlike God, makes "havoc of mankind". In that way, Paine structures his argument that America does not need Britain to govern it, since it is governed by God, a just and peaceful king.