Assignment

Review Thomas Paine's Common Sense in a historical setting. Think about whether, after reading the pamphlet, if you were a colonist, you would join the revolutionaries. This will be your thesis.

Prepare a short persuasive essay in which you present your argument, and discuss the language and arguments made by Paine in his piece.

Were his arguments compelling enough to you, when you read the piece? What separated Paine's Common Sense from previous arguments extolling rebellion? Examine also the risks you would have faced as a colonist, and those the colonies as a whole would face, and the potential rewards from joining the rebellion. You should use sources beyond Common Sense to help you evaluate the pamphlet in its proper historical perspective.

Suggested paper length is 6-10 pages; this is a guide only, and students should ensure they address all elements of the assignment with sufficient supporting details to prove their theses. Because it calls for your opinion, it should generally be in the first person.