Text Analysis: Common Sense

Who is Writing?
The writer of this document is Thomas Paine.

Who is the audience?
Thomas Paine is directing this document to the colonists of America. He asks questions in the document to draw them in and get them interested.

Who do the writers represent?
In my opinion Paine is representing change in America. Basically, he wants to be free from Britain's rule and evil attacks. Why would Britain attack America in the first place? America is filled with British occupants.

What is being said, argued and/ or requested?
America obviously wants to be free from Britain. Paine refers to Britain as the "mother country" which it most certainly is, but in my opinion, Paine is wondering when America can venture off on its own, just as a child grows up and moves away from its "mother."
If anything goes wrong with America's trade with Europe, then America's trade "goes to ruin" because of Britain's rule over them and their connection with Britain.
Paine spoke for mostly all colonists when he stated, "Your future connection with Britain, whom you can neither love nor honour, will be forced and unnatural, and being formed only on the plan of present convenience, will in a little time fall into a relapse more wretched than the first. "

How is it being said, argued and/ or requested?
Paine really shows his emotion in this document and his tone is very tired and fed-up with the treatment from Great Britain. As Paine says, some argue that Britain has protected America and they deserve gratitude, but he believes that Britain has been unjust and that America deserves gratitude for their loyalty.

What proof and/ or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
Paine explains the lack of respect from Britain. Religion is strong in the colonies and no one can argue against the word of God. It seems to me that the colonies are using their religious Belief as a way to break away From Britain. The British cannot argue (deny) the facts about what the colonies believe. I think that the British have no choice but to allow the Colonists to Break away.