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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Paine describe Burke's descriptions of the French during the Revolution?

2. Why does Paine state that America took up arms against England?

3. What are the rumors about the reason behind Burke's pamphlet?

4. Whose sermon given to celebrate the anniversary of the English Revolution does Burke misrepresent?

5. What does Paine hope the English people will realize from Burke's pamphlet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the reasons Paine has in writing the Rights of Man and to whom is it presented?

2. Why does Paine write Common Sense anonymously and how does he think his work will be remembered?

3. What mistake do the British make in attacking a particular city during the American Revolution?

4. Why does Paine think that America will succeed on its own?

5. What is Paine's definition of a Quaker?

6. How does the government of England increase its revenue through its disagreements with other countries?

7. What are the civil rights that Paine believes should be applied to government?

8. What disappoints Paine about the limited examples of solid government that are available?

9. When does Paine wish the Revolution had begun and why?

10. What are some of the other criticisms that Paine has about Howe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the letter to the Inhabitants of America that Paine writes about in the beginning years of the revolution. Include a description of his thoughts on the previous governments of Ancient Rome and Greece, as well as the similarities and differences between them and the new government that America is forming.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the rivalry between Paine and Burke as it is chronicled in the Rights of Man. Include how the two were once allies, what caused them to be on opposite sides, and the differences between both of their motives. Also, describe Paine's intentions with the Rights of Man and the advantages he has over Burke in his writings.

Essay Topic 3

Describe what America is like after the revolution, the new government, why Paine believes it will succeed where others have failed, and the impact it has on the other countries of the world. Use examples from the end of The Crisis to support your analysis and explain why Paine is grateful to the revolution for his literary career.

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This section contains 915 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample