What Is The Tone Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine

The “Paines” of Common Sense Common sense, written by Thomas Paine in 1776, was a short pamphlet wrote to defy the government in Britain at the time. The pamphlet was said to be “Nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense” (University of Arizona). Paine wrote his literary work in a simple language and tone so the common citizen would be able to understand his pleas for independence. Common Sense was also used as a way for the thirteen colonies to gain independence. In the beginning, Paine makes a strong argument then incorporates other arguments within the work. From the start the pamphlet was a success and sold many copies, with 150,000 copies being sold in America. Common Sense is said to be “The most influential …show more content…
At the time Paine published this pamphlet, documents talking about independence were nonexistent. In fact most people during this time could even be said to be “scared” or even avoided the thought of independence. Maybe the people of the time avoided this topic, because it was such a new way of thinking. Another possible reasons people may have avoided this topic, is because many at this time Americans traced their roots back to British heritage. Many of these people also tried to keep the United States in a state of British like government. The colonies also may have not wanted to lose their only connection to Britain. Paine’s popularity in the pamphlet may have also come from the fact that it’s written in such a simple and understandable tongue. Meaning that all different levels of people could read and understand Paine’s pleas. Paine got the people living in the colonies to begin thinking about establishing their own independence, even if that means breaking off some important ties with the British. Paine supports his work in this text by giving arguments and considerations of his ideas for a new government. He considers the relationships of the colonies with Britain, along with other areas of Europe. Paine also considers population, resources and military influences when he supports his work. Overall Paine tries to make a logical argument for independence, and he does this by his arguments and considerations in Common Sense. Paine also relates the work to his readers by incorporating bible, as he knew that most of the common people were very religious, even though Paine himself wasn’t.