View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why didn't Paine reply to any of the responses to the Rights of Man?

2. What area do Paine and the Marquis differ on?

3. How should people self-impose laws in order to exist harmoniously in the absence of government?

4. What form does Satan take on in reappearing?

5. How does Paine think that Christians are taught about the tales they learn?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Paine handle the responses to the Rights of Man by Burke and others?

2. Does Paine think that a natural state and civilized state are exchangeable?

3. What are some of the doubts Paine expresses about prophecies?

4. What is impressive about the way George Washington became the first president of the United States of America and the way he was compensated?

5. What bold prediction does Paine make about the future of the monarchy and why?

6. What about the American Revolution causes the world to take notice?

7. How does Paine consider cultivation and dispossession?

8. What is Paine's theory on how people who have been cheated of their land inheritance should be compensated?

9. What is Paine's theories on churches and which one does he ascribe to?

10. What are the two reasons why Paine waited before writing and releasing the Rights of Man, Part II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

George Washington is considered by many to be the best example of what a leader should be and Paine refers to Washington's life on a number of occasions in his work.

1) Describe the significance of Washington's career in the military and how his desire to remain out of politics made him America's most qualified choice for the first President of the United States.

2) Explain why Washington received no monetary compensation for his service as president, and how his situation reflects the theory that Paine has about historical people and their financial rewards.

3) Analyze why Washington is still regarded so highly, the values that he represents, and why they are needed in any government.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Paine's letter to General Howe by including answers to the following:

1) Why does Paine write to Howe and what is the purpose of his letter?

2) What are some examples of Howe's mistakes and lack of skills in the war, and why did Paine consider him to be incapable of gaining a victory except by accident?

3) How does America defeat Howe and cause him to surrender?

4) In what way does Howe's approach to the war depict the difference in the mentality of each country involved?

5) What were America's reasons for fighting in the American Revolution and why was England unable to understand them?

Essay Topic 3

Age of Reason features Paine's views of religion as he questions certain aspects of the different churches and practices.

1) Describe Paine's personal opinions about religion, churches, and which one he ascribes to.

2) Analyze Paine's description of revelation and the way it is referred to by different religions.

3) Explain some of the different examples of how Paine questions some of the tales in Christianity, and his general views on how Christians live their lives.

4) Describe why Paine has doubts about the authenticity of the Old and New Testaments, what he believes is the most important proof of God's existence, and what guide people should refer to when seeking God's advice or wishes.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,114 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample