Summary of the Two Excerpts

‘Common Sense’ by Thomas Paine contends along the lines of American liberation. The author’s main argument commences with obvious hypothetical considerations on the government and religious sector then proceeds with a cautionary tone on the particulars the colonial regime created. Paine commences this excerpt with differentiating government and the community. According to the sentiments of the author, every beneficial or positive side of the society comes from a joint effort to achieve the impossible (Paine, 2004). On other hand, the government is an entity or a body charged with protecting the needs of the society members without bias. He goes further to ascertain the government’s duty is protection of the public from evil vices hence it is unavoidable and therefore infrastructure should be set in place to accommodate the government.

 On the other hand, ‘A view of the causes and consequences of the American Revolution’ by Boucher embodies the intrigues of how small beginnings can turn into huge things and topple even the most powerful of men. Boucher highlights his sermons in his essays. He himself was a colonial loyalist during the awakened and revolutionary period (Boucher, 2009). The sermons had thought-provoking sentiments and full of gratitude for the colonialists. Furthermore, he expresses his opinions about independence from the British and the how peace is better than war.

Similarities between the Two Articles

 Both works center on freedom as the main subject matter and the aspects that go into making liberation a reality in America. In ‘Common Sense’ Thomas Paine opens up his excerpt with a rant about making the right decision (Bailyn, 2017). American had a choice to stay under the colonial rule or fight and rebel for their freedom. Paine suggests that the rest of the world should support the American course toward freedom and self-governance hence setting a precedence for liberation all over the world and not just within the confines of American borders. Throughout his book, Paine makes it obvious to the reader that it was high time American gained its own independence from Great Britain. On the other, hand Boucher’s ‘A View of the Causes and Consequences of the American Revolution’ the author gravitates toward American freedom but from a multifaceted direction. Furthermore, Boucher thought that announcing war and forcefully trying to attain freedom from Britain powers was dangerous, and people needed take cautionary steps.

Paine and Bouche claim that government has all the resources needed to protect its citizens from harm, give them liberty, and protect their wealth and property. Hence, the two authors agree on the functions of the government as an established institution meant to protect citizens from any harm.

Therefore, by reading the two works, the reader gets the impression that the authors put out their perspectives on freedom from the colonial regime but from different points of view (Bailyn, 2017). In addition, the two writers were key personalities during the revolution because they wrote down their opinions and motivated many American with their sentiments on American freedom.

Contrasts

 In order to bring out the contrasts, one should note that Jonathan Boucher had a strong academic background and a preacher from Great Britain hence, he wrote ‘A View of the causes and consequences of the American Revolution’ in response to Paine’ article opposing his views and  perspectives on issues pertaining freedom from the colonialists. Paine fiercely endorsed and raised awareness on liberty and self-governance (Bailyn, 2017). More so, he was one of the few men who dedicated his life to liberating America from Great Britain rule and informing the colonists on the need to fight for independence. Simply put, the two authors differ on matters concerning freedom and the underlying mechanisms of receiving freedom.

 Intelligent and highly aware of the American situation, Boucher did not hide behind a veil but openly supported rule of the authority and expressed his tremendously conservative opinion on hierarchical leadership (Bailyn, 2017). In fact, he favored hierarchical rule over the people and the state thus discouraging the people from fighting for self-governance and democratic rights. Thus, through his articles, he advocated for passive behavior and the need to contend with the peace provided by Great Britain rather than disrupt normal routines set up by the present system.

Unlike Boucher with his firm unwavering support for Great Britain, as Paine’s article unfolds, he addresses the political framework set up by the British especially the aristocratic system centered on kings and queens who automatically rule over their people without any democratic consent (Bailyn, 2017). Thus, he was loud and clear on the need for a democratic government run by people elected by the American themselves for fair and share representation.

 In short, the two authors have differing comments liberty. Whereas Paine believes, that America should be free from oppressive colonial rule no matter the means. On the other hand, Boucher believes in the rule of law while allowing hierarchical rule. He was afraid the power community yields if they get a chance of selecting their own leaders. In the end, the two authors make their sentiments open and critical for the public.

 

 

Reference

Bailyn, B. (2017). The ideological origins of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press.

Boucher, Jonathan. (2009). A View of the Causes and Consequences of the American Revolution. Applewood Books.

Paine, T. (2004). Common sense. Broadview Press.