These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the serv
ice of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph...Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but ‘to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,’ and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to GOD. What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Taxes are bad.
B) God is all powerful.
C) America has a chance at independence.
D) Now is the time to rise up against Britain.
The passage is encouraging strong and persistent resistance against what the author perceives to be unjust tyranny. Taxes and God are mentioned, but they are secondary topics within the main idea that British authority must be resisted.
Option C is inadequate because the paragraph really says nothing about the chances of independence, nor does it focus on probability. Rather, the context of the passage relays and urgent need to resist tyranny for a greater cause and noble end.
Thomas Paine gave this speech to persuade his audience to support America in its revolt against Britain and recruit American soldiers for the revolution. He strengthens his argument with his authoritative tone, concise diction, and elegant similes.
