TOW #11- Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine – “The American Crisis” Chapter 1

            As the Revolutionary War waged on in America, Thomas Paine released this text that summarized his opinions regarding the state of the fighting. Thomas Paine was a political activist who is famous for his role in the American Revolution, which was convincing more people to become involved through his writing. Overall, Paine wanted to break away from Britain, and in his pamphlet he was trying to prove to the citizens of the colonies that they needed to help the cause in order to obtain independence. The author used metaphors and personification in order to make his argument appeal to all Americans, therefore pushing them to help gain independence. Primarily, Paine’s use of metaphors connected the ideas of war, which could be overwhelming, to everyday happenings. For example, he states, “Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?” (Paine 4). By comparing the war to a personal attack on someone’s home, he grabs the attention of the citizens because homes are sacred places where people eat, sleep, live, and love. Paine appeals to the emotions of the readers, and, by doing this, brings about unity. Comparing American to one’s specific home makes feelings of nationalism rise in citizens, urging them to join in the war. In addition, personification is used when Paine refers to America as a woman, and states all of the good things about her along with her vulnerability (Paine 3). Since women were seen as weak at this time, and the country mainly wanted men fighting in the war, descriptions such as these would make men want to assert themselves and protect the “woman” who gave them a home. Also, personifying the country gives it feelings, which makes protecting “her” more important. I believe that Thomas Paine’s use of metaphor and personification was successful not only because America won the Revolutionary War, but because he was able to bring about feelings of national pride in the audience, and convince even present day readers that helping your country as much as possible is important.