Question

In England, a King . . . [is] allowed eight hundred thousand sterling a year . . . and worshipped into the bargain! Of more worth is one honest man to society . . . than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived. —Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776 Based on the quotation, what does Paine think about the monarchy in England?

Answer 1

He believes that kings and kingdoms have to much power and money. He thinks that the one poor honest man is worth much more than all the rich kings.

Answer 2

Common Sense was a pamphlet by Thomas Paine which advocated the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain. The pamphlet was published in 1775-76, and became an enormous success. It was sold and distributed widely, and it had the largest sale and circulation of any book published in American history in proportion to the population of the colonies at that time.

In this section, Paine discusses the situation of the kings in England. He believes them to be ruffians (a bully or a villain) who profit at the expense of the people. It implies that Paine does not think the monarchy in England is responsible and useful. It is likely he does not think them necessary either. This position aligns with his pro-independence arguments.