Question

Which pair of sentences best compares the two excerpts? Which answer choice consisting of two sentences best compares “The Crisis, No. 1” and “Speech to the Second Virginia Convention”? The Crisis, No. 1 by Thomas Paine (excerpt) THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. Speech to the Second Virginia Convention by Patrick Henry (excerpt) Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

Answer 1

The two sentences which best compares “The Crisis, No. 1” and “Speech to the Second Virginia Convention” are: 

Thomas Paine's purpose is to persuade his audience to persist in their course of action.

Patrick Henry's purpose is to exhort his audience to follow a new course of action. 

The correct option is C.

Thomas Paine states in “The American Crisis, No.1" about the importance of Independence for the people of America. He approaches every people through emotional thoughts and ideas. His writings persuade people to think over the need for Independence of themselves and for their children. Thomas Paine didn’t agree with the fact that Great Britain has always benefited the colonies and will ever benefit them in the future. He opposes the fact that it will provide security and protection to the colonized countries.

Patrick Henry in his famous speech “Give me liberty, or give me death!” says that there lies a correct time to attain peace. He uses his power of persuasion to keep his thoughts before people. According to him, he would rather opt for death than to be a slave of any other people. He adds that his freedom can never be counted on materialistic terms. No one has the right to buy anyone's freedom. He can either opt for war or die in order to attain freedom.