Question

Read this quotation from The Crisis, Number IV by Thomas Paine. Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it. According to this quotation, Paine believes that the colonists?

Answer 1

Answer: must understand that fighting for freedom is extremely difficult.

In this excerpt, Paine argues that people who really desire freedom (in this case the colonists) must understand that it is extremely difficult to obtain it. In order to "reap the blessings of freedom," these men must "undergo the fatigues (efforts and suffering) of supporting it." Only if we are willing to fight and to make sacrifices for it will we be able to enjoy it.

Answer 2

According to this quotation, Paine believes that the colonists must understand that fighting for freedom is extremely difficult. It also follows that the quotation suggests that freedom is attained when they are determined to face the challenges in fighting for it.