Question

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number IV.

“You ought not to think an hour upon the matter, but to spring to action at once.”

What is the purpose of the words “hour” and “spring”?

Answer 1

Hour - Dont think a while about this/the action
Spring - jump right into action / quickly start

Answer 2

To remind readers that they must take action immediately to succeed against the British.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this excerpt, Paine wants the reader to remember how important it is to take action soon. He tells us that the matter should not be thought over anymore. Instead, what people need to do is act quickly. This strategy highlights the urgency of acting by using intense action words such as "spring," "hour" and "action." Paine is trying to remind readers that in order to succeed against the British, they must take immediate action.