Shall a band of ten or twelve thousand robbers, who are this day fifteen hundred or two thousand men less in strength than they
were yesterday, conquer America, or subdue even a single state? The thing cannot be, unless we sit down and suffer them to do it. In this excerpt, Paine uses a rhetorical device to encourage readers to a. feel anger and contempt for the British troops.b. fear negative outcomes in future battles.c. have a higher opinion of the British troops.d. feel proud of American forces.
Thomas Paine was an English-born American activist, philosopher and revolutionary. His chief goals included the independence of America from the governance of British men and the creation of a democratic republic. His 1776 published work, "Common Sense" clearly reflects his central argument that challenges the British authorities and demands freedom from Great Britain.
In this excerpt, he has employed a figurative language to emphasize his message to end the British rule in America. He aims to encourage the readers to feel anger and contempt for the impotence and incompetence. He says that 'thing cannot be'. He feels anguish towards the insufficiency of the actions of British troops. He further exposes their insignificant efforts that are completely "worthless".
