Question

"Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny by keeping vacant the seat of government." Paine repeats the word “ye” in order to

Answer 1

Paine repeats the word “ye” in order to catch the attention the colonists who may not have understand the urgency of his cause. This is to emphasize the colonists and call them to hear his urgent cause. The readers of his work were encouraged to fight against the colonists who agree with the king.

Answer 2

Paine repeats the word "ye" in order to emphasize the fact that the colonists are the ones responsible for the things he is describing. He wants to call attention to the fact that the responsibility lies with those who oppose independence, and in this way, are opening the door to tyranny. By saying "ye" repeatedly, Paine can highlight the fact that they are accountable for the future of the nation.