Question

Imagine yourself living in colonial America and reading Paine’s opening line: “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Write how you would have reacted.

Answer 1

Answer:

They would have felt inspired.

They would have decided to fight.

They would have wanted to compromise with the British.

They would have wanted to read more of Paine’s writings.

Explanation:

Answer 2

''These are the times that try men's souls'' is a very powerful phrase. If I was living in colonial America and read it or heard it, it was definitely going to prompt some reaction and feeling in me. The living conditions were not the best. Lot of people lived in poverty. The safety was not guaranteed, and avoiding problems was a big positive. There were divisions among the colonies themselves, resulting in tensions and conflict of interests. Such conditions, and hearing or reading to this phrase, would provide motivation for me personally, as it is the hard times when a person shows true character and what that person is made of. It will make me push even harder in order to have better life, and provide better life for my family, and give my best to overcome all obstacles, proving to myself and my loved ones that they can have it better and that they deserve better, but it can only be achieved through strong will, sacrifice, and work.