Common Sense expresses the inner thoughts of a man who is highly concerned for the present and future state of America. Through many references to history, some of which recall events before the birth of Christ, he deduces the fact that America has no logical reason to remain under the wings of Great Britain. He expresses this idea by dividing his argument into three segments: the truth about the wickedness and ineffectiveness of a monarchy throughout history, the ineptitude of the British government, and the potential of a unified and independent America.

Thomas Paine's argument opens by condemning the idea of a tyr

Paine follows this argument by critiquing the present form of the English monarchy based on heredity. Through multiple references to history, Paine puts great emphasis on the flaws of the monarchy and creates his strongest argument. He effectively opens the argument by establishing the evil in "the distinction of men into KINGS and SUBJECTS" (Paine p. 8). This causes the reader, a colonist, to contemplate the accepted system of a monarchy where he, the subject, is a lesser entity than the King. As the reader is pondering this idea, Paine uses persuasion in the form of historical facts. By relating to the religious nature of the colonies, he makes multiple references to scripture that diminish the worth and effectiveness of a monarchy.

"But to expend millions for the sake of getting a few vile acts repealed, and routing the present ministry only, is unworthy the charge, and is using posterity with the utmost cruelty; because it is leaving them the great work to do, and a debt upon their backs, from which, they derive no advantage. Such a thought is unworthy a man for honor, and is the true characteristic of a narrow heart and a pedling politician" (Paine p. 34-35).

In addition to its motivational words directed toward the colonists of the time, the book contains quotes that are easily applicable to today's society. It is for the inner meaning of these words that makes this book incredibly interesting. "Though avarice will preserve a man from being necessitously poor, it generally makes him too timorous to be wealthy" (Paine p. 8). This being a true guide for anyone with great wealth that wishes to live happily.

"Hath your house been burnt? Hath your property been destroyed before your face? Are your wife and children destitute of a bed to lie on, or bread to live on? Have you lost a parent or a child by their hands, and yourself the ruined and wretched survivor? If you have not, then are you not a judge of those who have" (Paine p. 24).

Thomas Paine puts forth great effort in presenting himself as a non-selfish man so that he may be respected by the reader. He does this by showing concern for the future of America and by not focusing his argument on what he can gain from American independence. This argu

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Approximate Word count = 1515
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)