Exploring the Text

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  1. Note that Thomas Paine begins with a reference to his Crisis, I, written seven years earlier, at the start of what we now call the Revolutionary War. What do you think was the likely response of his readers to that reference?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Note that Thomas Paine begins with a reference to his Crisis, I, written seven years earlier, at the start of what we now call the Revolutionary War. What do you think was the likely response of his readers to that reference?
  2. What is the rhetorical effect of the use of metaphor and imagery in the second paragraph?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What is the rhetorical effect of the use of metaphor and imagery in the second paragraph?
  3. Why would the “honors” to which Paine refers “command reflection” (par. 4)? What kind of reflection do they command? Why? What is Paine’s concern?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Why would the “honors” to which Paine refers “command reflection” (par. 4)? What kind of reflection do they command? Why? What is Paine’s concern?
  4. Paine says of the United States that “everything about her wore the mark of honor” (par. 6). To what extent do you think the United States still wears that “mark of honor”? Explain.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Paine says of the United States that “everything about her wore the mark of honor” (par. 6). To what extent do you think the United States still wears that “mark of honor”? Explain.
  5. Paine hopes that America will “never forget that a fair national reputation is of as much importance as independence” (par. 9). Why would that be so? How accurately does it describe America’s place in the world today? Explain.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Paine hopes that America will “never forget that a fair national reputation is of as much importance as independence” (par. 9). Why would that be so? How accurately does it describe America’s place in the world today? Explain.
  6. Paine writes, “The continual spectacle of woe blunts the finer feelings, and the necessity of bearing with the sight renders it familiar” (par. 11). What does he mean? Is he lamenting, or is he admonishing?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Paine writes, “The continual spectacle of woe blunts the finer feelings, and the necessity of bearing with the sight renders it familiar” (par. 11). What does he mean? Is he lamenting, or is he admonishing?
  7. How would you paraphrase the final paragraph? What is your personal response to Paine’s position?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - How would you paraphrase the final paragraph? What is your personal response to Paine’s position?