Question

In your own words, discuss Thomas Paine's rationale for when it is appropriate and just to go to war, and when it isn't inappropriate and unjust to go to war. What metaphors does Paine use to support or illustrate his position? Give details from the text to support your answer.

Answer 1

According to Paine, society is constructive and composed of good people. People would be happier if they were the creators of rules and law in a system of representatives. He urges colonists to take belligerent actions against the British rulers who did not hesitate to attack American colonies, he stated "By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue; by cowardice and submission, the sad choice of a variety of evils". He supported the independence of the American colonies. Paine sees  Government as an institution whose goal should be to protect society (life, liberty and property), however it has evil roots. King George "the Pharaoh of England" and "the Royal Brute of Great Britain" was born from the practice of monarchy, and succession is seen as a form of abomination thus a violation of man's right to choose a ruler.

Paine views war harmful for the lower classes who would not get benefits from it, on the other hand it was necessary for the necessity of creating a new government.