Question

Which rhetorical device does Paine use to inspire colonists and soldiers to take up the revolutionary cause, despite their concerns?

A.) Appeal to pathos
B.) Parallelism
C.) Appeal to logos
D.) Appeal to Ethos

Answer 1

Thomas Paine used mainly an appeal to pathos as his form of rhetoric, especially in writing “The Crisis”. He used pathos to encourage a feeling of unity among the revolutionaries. This call to patriotism was backed by an emotional appeal to feel connected with others in the struggle against Britain. His frequent use of “we” to show that he was one with his audience, was a persuasive tool in pulling in his audience to sympathize with his cause.