Question

According to paine, what kinds of people "espouse the doctrine of reconciliation" with england? What does paine's language tell you about how he feels about these people?

Answer 1

For question 1, it is stated in Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common sense”. The pamphlet was written in 1775 – 1776. It was advocating in dependence from the Britain from the people of the thirteen colonies.

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet was clearly written with persuasive prose and encouraged common people to in the thirteen colonies to for egalitarian government. On January 10, 1776 the pamphlet was published.

The passage of the Thomas Paine’s pamphlet reads:

"Though I would carefully avoid giving unnecessary offence, yet I am inclined to believe, that all those who spouse the doctrine of reconciliation, may be included within the following descriptions. Interested men, who are not to be trusted; weak men who cannot see; prejudiced men who will not see; and a certain set of moderate men, who think better of the European world than it deserves; and this last class by an ill-judged deliberation, will be the cause of more calamities to this continent than all the other three." (Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs)

The pamphlet was sold and distributed widely. It was read loudly in meeting places and at taverns, and as at 2006, it was the all-time best selling title and still available till today.

For question 2, doctrine of reconciliation was introduced towards building a very strong relationship with England while the colony remains. This idea wasn’t pleasant to Paine’s hence her advocacy for independence.

KEYWORDS:

• thomas paine's pamphlet
• doctrine of reconciliation

Answer 2

Question 1: This is mentioned in Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense,” which advocated independence from Britain for people of the Thirteen Colonies. It was widely read and distributed and remains popular today. The full passage reads:

"Though I would carefully avoid giving unnecessary offence, yet I am inclined to believe, that all those who spouse the doctrine of reconciliation, may be included within the following descriptions. Interested men, who are not to be trusted; weak men who cannot see; prejudiced men who will not see; and a certain set of moderate men, who think better of the European world than it deserves; and this last class by an ill-judged deliberation, will be the cause of more calamities to this continent than all the other three." (Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs)

Question 2: The doctrine of reconciliation was the idea of improving the relationship with England and remain a colony. Paine believed that this was pointless, and that anyone who believed that reconciliation was desirable was misguided. He advocated, instead, for independence.