Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" Analysis

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In Common Sense, Thomas Paine makes a strong case against not only the English monarchy, but all monarchical forms of government in general. Why do you think he pursues this line of reasoning and why might it be important or particularly effective in convincing American colonists to seek independence in 1776? Thomas Paine’s reasoning behind seeking independence is particularly geared towards his denouncement of monarchial government because he believes that the symbolic king and ruler of this type of government is the root of all things evil and unholy under God. Paine devotes an entire chapter of his influential pamphlet Common Sense to the idea that a government under a monarchy is diseased with idolatry – the people under monarchial rule are being brainwashed, living out their lives for their mortal ruler rather than for each other or for God. This idea is very important and effective in persuading the American colonists against the British Crown in that it proves to the colonists through accurate definition of a monarchy and concise reference to logic, history and biblical scripture that running a country of their own opposite the British is the change the colonies need. Paine uses the biblical story of Samuel to justify his reasoning against the British. Paine tells of Samuel and his interaction with the Jews of Israel, and how the Jews were eager to look up to Samuel as their almighty ruler, leaving Samuel very displeased: “I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God that we die not, for we have added
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