Thomas Paine – Flashcards with Answers
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
"Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place." Which best describes Paine's use of figurative language in this excerpt?
answer
Paine uses hyperbole to emphasize that there is strong colonial support for American independence.
question
In paragraph three of Common Sense, why does Paine use the phrases "precariousness of human affairs," "while we have it in our power," and "time and chance"?
answer
to evoke in colonists the need for urgency in their quest for independence
question
"Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?" The word "expires" tells the reader that Paine believed the colonies' separation from Britain was
answer
inevitable.
question
Which excerpt from Common Sense contains an example of hyperbole?
answer
"Every spot of the Old World is overrun with oppression."
question
"I am as confident as I am that God governs the world that America will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion. Wars without ceasing will break out till that period arrives, and the continent must in the end be conqueror; for though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire." Paine uses the metaphors of the flame and coal to demonstrate that
answer
the concept of freedom will never cease to exist.
question
"Some Massanello may hereafter arise, who, laying hold of popular disquietudes, may collect together the desperate and the discontented, and by assuming to themselves the powers of government may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge." In the excerpt, Paine compares a deluge—a torrential downpour—to the actions of a group of men to illustrate their
answer
force.
question
"'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death." Which best describes the purpose of this excerpt?
answer
to inspire colonists to join the fight for independence
question
"The heart that feels not is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole and made them happy." What is the purpose of the figurative language in this excerpt?
answer
to evoke in the audience shame for placing self-preservation above the good of the community
question
"In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense." What is the purpose of the words "simple," plain," and "common"?
answer
to appeal to as large an audience as possible
question
"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?" In this excerpt, Paine is attempting to convince readers that they
answer
have righteous reasons to justify supporting the war.
question
"Neither can ye reconcile Britain and America. The last cord now is broken, the people of England are presenting addresses against us." In this excerpt, Paine uses figurative language to
answer
emphasize that harmony between Britain and America is not possible.
question
"'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light." In this excerpt, Paine uses figurative language to
answer
illustrate his unwavering belief that the colonists must fight for freedom.
