Question

Review the persuasive techniques listed in the Text Analysis feature for this selection. Then, find six examples of Paine's strong persuasive appeals. In a chart, record your examples and explain the types of appeals. How does Paine's use of persuasive language affect the tone of this essay? Cite evidence from your chart to support your answer.c

Answer 1

In Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense,' he uses persuasive techniques such as emotional appeal, logical appeal, moral appeal, repetition, anecdotes, and rhetorical questions. These appeals help create a passionate tone and convince the readers to support American independence.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense,' he uses a variety of persuasive techniques to appeal to his audience and convince them to support American independence from Britain. Here are six examples of Paine's strong persuasive appeals:

1. Emotional Appeal (Pathos): Paine appeals to the emotions of his readers by painting vivid and dramatic pictures of the hardships and sufferings endured under British rule. For example, he writes, '...the misery of our situation, without a remedy, should exasperate us into resistance and quarrelling with shadows.'
2. Logical Appeal (Logos): Paine employs logical arguments to convince his audience of the necessity and benefits of independence. He presents facts and evidence to support his claims. For instance, he states, '...commerce, with all its treasures, would flow naturally to us; for we should then be in the same case as the Spaniards and Portuguese are now.'
3. Moral Appeal (Ethos): Paine establishes his credibility and moral authority by presenting himself as a common man and using language that resonates with his readers. He emphasizes the importance of virtue and the pursuit of happiness, stating, 'Nothing is more common than for a free people...to throw off the burden and to assume the privileges and prerogatives of the victims they depose.'
4. Repetition: Paine repeats certain phrases and ideas throughout the pamphlet to reinforce his arguments and make them more memorable. For example, he repeatedly uses the phrase 'Common Sense' to emphasize the simplicity and reasonableness of his views.
5. Anecdotes: Paine includes personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate his points and make them more relatable to his readers. He recounts instances where British rule has caused harm and injustice, thus enhancing the credibility and impact of his arguments.
6. Rhetorical Questions: Paine frequently uses rhetorical questions to engage his audience and encourage them to reflect on the issues he raises. For instance, he asks, '...are the Americans more enlightened than the French? ...Are they not more virtuous than the Germans?'

Paine's use of these persuasive techniques helps create a compelling and passionate tone in his essay. It evokes strong emotions, stimulates critical thinking, and presents a logical case for independence. By appealing to both the hearts and minds of his readers, Paine successfully communicates his message and promotes his cause.

Answer 2

The question involves analyzing the persuasive appeals used by Thomas Paine in 'Common Sense,' such as ethos, pathos, and logos, and the impact of these appeals on the tone of the essay. Each appeal needs to be supported with specific examples and explanations relating to the text. Understanding Paine's persuasive strategies aids in developing a well-supported analytical essay.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to identifying and analyzing the six strong persuasive appeals used by Thomas Paine in his influential work, Common Sense. Paine's pamphlet played a critical role in influencing public opinion towards the idea of American independence from British rule. To effectively answer this question, one must explore and evaluate the rhetorical strategies used by Paine, such as ethos, pathos, and logos. These strategies are crucial in shaping the persuasive tone of his essay and convincing his audience.

Examples of Paine's persuasive techniques include his direct language aimed at ordinary people, his criticism of Tories (Loyalists), and his reasoning for supporting an independent republican form of government. For each identified persuasive appeal, you would provide an example from the text and explain the type of appeal used (whether it relates to ethos, pathos, or logos). By examining Paine's rhetoric, you'll understand how he provoked thoughts and emotional reactions to sway public sentiment toward revolution.

When planning your analysis, keep in mind the context and the rhetorical situation. The discussion should progress from explaining the appeal to providing specific text evidence. By applying this method, the reader gains a new understanding of Paine's persuasive techniques, which is essential in creating a well-structured essay.