Question

After reading “The Crisis, No. 1,” what do you think Paine means by the line, "These are the times that try men’s souls"? Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis.

Answer 1

America was going through a difficult period when Paine wrote "The Crisis, No. 1." Some soldiers were abandoning the fight for freedom, and therefore, Paine tried to convince them through these lines: "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 by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Paine agreed that the time was full of troubles and problems, and it was testing the hard work of the people. However, he appealed to them to not abandon the war. He argued that hope was not yet lost, and victory was within reach as long as Americans continued their struggle.

Explanation: answer on plato/edmentum

Answer 2

Paine is referring to the difficulties facing the colonists to stand up against the British Empire against imposed taxes and foreign rule. He says "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph". This emphasises his point that the fight is against tyranny, although the battle may be difficult.