Thomas Paine: Common Sense

 Call to Revolution: Reflective Essay on Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"

The most influential piece of writing in American history calls forth separation very strongly from British rule, infusing revolutionary fervour among the colonists. Published exactly when the seed of discontent started getting sown, this Paine-made pamphlet summed up neatly what has frustrated the collective conscience and fine-tunes it. His frank declaration that it was not only desirable but necessary for America to be freed from the stranglehold of tyranny by Britain did much to stir forces of independence. A pamphlet became turned into an intellectual clarion call of reforming the political map as well as welcoming a new nation.

One such feature that strikes us about Paine's work is its appeal direct to common man. He does put complex ideas of politics with the most common examples in a simple word so that this is communicated through the masses instead of the privilege class alone. He declares monarchy the most ridiculous form of government since, quite literally, it was a concept born out of antiquity with no legitimacy. He dresses his thoughts in words to the average colonist; hence, making the political language more democratic in form and appeals to his readers to inquire about the possibilities of an unstained future away from tyranny. This was innovative, shifting powers from the crown and their kings to people as a foothold that history would hear them again and again for democratic reasons.

The emotional appeal is not last but by all means is not the least. He incites the masses to question morality and consequences while, for generations, they could be considered inferiors at the hands of Britishers. It raises a subject on matters of issues that were strictly within justice and the immediate need of the hour, it made an issue quite much in the fashion of the day, while passion runs amok with the deep emotions, which emanated from the minds of a reader. This eloquent phrase in Paine that wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls," does capture eloquently that moment with firing up the conscience. Such an ability for exciting indignation and empowerment that shows light to powerful writing like power for the mobilization of populates toward a collective action proves that the writing is one among the greatest ever written, which shall be a beacon for ages following its development. Thomas Paine has, in very fine language, successfully expressed deep desire, which, in reality is nothing but being free and enjoying the powers of self-governing on contemporary themes regarding democracy and discussion on human rights. It makes us reflect on the giant power over the American Revolution exerted by Thomas Paine with the reminder given to America regarding political discourse, whereby though very incendiary in nature and sometimes exclusionist, it will still have a pursuit toward justice. This sounds like a clarion call and encouragement of citizens to identify themselves with their powers as change agents of society, recreate their future with an emphasis of the fact that liberty is always worth fighting for because it has a place in one's heart that can take it to be pursued at whatever point in time.