Please read your Thomas Paine selection and respond to the following prompts. Use complete sentences and incorporate quotes when required.
1. What is so gosh darn American about his high intelligence and economic limitations?
2. What is so distinctive about his writing style? Use a quote as support.
3. Considering the historical context, how is the following quote so progressive? "...for I answer roundly, that America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power taken notice of her" (4).
4. Paine compares Britain to "savages" (5). How does this contradict the quote you just worked with above. Or, do you disagree with my observation? What you reckon?
5. The following quote could be heard today: "...dependence on, Great Britain tends directly to involve this continent in European wars and quarrels, and set us at variance with nations who would otherwise seek out friendship, and against whom we have neither anger nor complaint" (6). I would argue you could replace Britain with America and we now have something to think about. Which countries have suffered due to their close alliance with the United States? Or, do you disagree?
6. Which rhetorical strategies does Paine employ to win over his audience? Be specific and use quotes as support.
7. It's interesting, but I would argue, for how "simple" his style is acclaimed to be... it's rather difficult! What do you think?
Due: Before class on Monday, 11.19
