Question

directions: with a partner, read the selection below from common sense and answer the questions below. the selections from common sense are taken from paragraphs 17 and 21-24 of the section titled \thoughts on the present state of american affairs\. paragraph 1. \i challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation to show a single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected with great britain. i repeat the challenge; not a single advantage is derived...\ paragraph 2. \though i would carefully avoid giving unnecessary offence, yet i am inclined to believe, that all those who espouse the doctrine of reconciliation, may be included within the following descriptions.\ paragraph 3. \interested men, who are not to be trusted, weak men who cannot see, prejudiced men who will not see, and a certain set of moderate men who think better of the european world than it deserves; and this last class, by an ill - judged deliberation, will be the cause of more calamities to this continent than all the other three.\ 1. according to paine, what kinds of people \espouse the doctrine of reconciliation\ with england? 2. what does paine’s language tell you about how he feels about these people? paragraph 4. \it is the good fortune of many to live distant from the scene of present sorrow; the evil is not sufficiently brought to their doors to make them feel the precariousness with which all american property is possessed. but let our imaginations transport us a few moments to boston; that seat of wretchedness will teach us wisdom, and instruct us forever to renounce a power in whom we can have no trust. the inhabitants of that unfortunate city, who but a few months ago were in ease and affluence, have now no other alternative than to stay and starve, or turn out to beg. endangered by the fire of their friends if they continue within the city and plundered by the soldiery if they leave it, in their present situation they are prisoners without the hope of redemption, and in a general attack for their relief they would be exposed to the fury of both armies.\ 3. how does paine describe life in boston, and why does he think the situation there shows that england should not be governing the colonies? paragraph 5. \men of passive tempers look somewhat lightly over the offences of great britain, and, still hoping for the best, are apt to call out, come, come, we shall be friends again for all this. but examine the passions and feelings of mankind: bring the doctrine of reconciliation to the touchstone of nature, and then tell me whether you can hereafter love, honour, and faithfully serve the power that hath carried fire and sword into your land? if you cannot do all these, then you are only deceiving yourselves, and by your delay bringing ruin upon posterity. your future connection with britain, whom you can neither love nor honour, will be forced and unnatural, and being formed only on the plan of present convenience, will in a little time fall into a relapse more...\

Explanation:

Question 1

To answer this, we refer to Paragraph 3. It states the people who espouse reconciliation are "interested men, who are not to be trusted, weak men who CANNOT see, prejudiced men who will not see, and a certain set of moderate men who think better of the European world than it deserves".

Analyze Paine's word choices. He uses terms like "not to be trusted", "CANNOT see", "will not see", "ill - judged deliberation" and says they "will be the cause of more calamities". These words show his negative view: he distrusts, dislikes, and thinks they are misguided and harmful.

First, find how Paine describes Boston from Paragraph 4: inhabitants were once at ease/affluent, now have to stay and starve or beg; endangered by friends’ fire if they stay, plundered by soldiers if they leave; they are prisoners without hope of redemption, and in a general attack, exposed to both armies’ fury. Then, for why England shouldn't govern: The situation shows British rule brings suffering (precarious property, wretchedness), and they can't be trusted (he says "renounce a power in whom we can have no trust"), so they're unfit to govern.

Answer:

According to Paine, the people who "espouse the doctrine of reconciliation" with England are: interested men (not to be trusted), weak men (who cannot see), prejudiced men (who will not see), and a set of moderate men (who think better of the European world than it deserves).

Question 2