Exploring the Text

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  1. In the first paragraph, what are the purpose and effect of the juxtapositions that Thomas Paine uses to characterize the differences between society and government?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - In the first paragraph, what are the purpose and effect of the juxtapositions that Thomas Paine uses to characterize the differences between society and government?
  2. How does the use of imagery, figurative language, and analogy contribute to Paine’s position in the second paragraph?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How does the use of imagery, figurative language, and analogy contribute to Paine’s position in the second paragraph?
  3. How does Paine characterize “society” in paragraphs 2 and 3?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How does Paine characterize “society” in paragraphs 2 and 3?
  4. How accurately does Paine’s hypothetical account anticipate the future United States under the Constitution?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How accurately does Paine’s hypothetical account anticipate the future United States under the Constitution?
  5. Paine writes of the “frequent interchange” that will “establish a common interest with every part of the community” (par. 6). Is this what we have in American politics today? To what extent have we kept the promise that he identified?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Paine writes of the “frequent interchange” that will “establish a common interest with every part of the community” (par. 6). Is this what we have in American politics today? To what extent have we kept the promise that he identified?
  6. Paine states, “Here then is the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; here too is the design and end of government, viz. freedom and security” (par. 7). Do you agree with his characterization of government? Is it accurate today? Explain.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Paine states, “Here then is the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; here too is the design and end of government, viz. freedom and security” (par. 7). Do you agree with his characterization of government? Is it accurate today? Explain.
  7. What is the rhetorical effect of the figurative language at the end of paragraph 7?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is the rhetorical effect of the figurative language at the end of paragraph 7?