The Rhetorical Common Sense

In January of 1776, Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense with the intention of convincing American colonist to establish independence from Britain. It’s apparent from the style of his pamphlet that he wanted to convince the masses in a fashion which would make them come to the conclusion that, without a doubt, Thomas Paine must be right. This rhetorical form of writing is evident throughout his pamphlet and obviously present in the title. By titling his …showed first 75 words of 697 total…

…showed last 75 words of 697 total…are just as easily the type of thoughts they could have concluded themselves. His readers were overall so roused to act because of the way that Paine stated his cause. “Common sense will tell us, that the power which hath endeavoured to subdue us, is of all others the most improper to defend us.” They couldn’t stay connected to Britain. It would be the downfall of the colonies, he stated. This was common sense.