Question

Paine most clearly indicates his purpose for this passage with which of the following lines from the excerpt above: Ye men of Pennsylvania do reason upon these things!, I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow by reflection, my own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light, this perhaps is what some Tories would not be sorry for, I love the man that can smile in trouble that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection

Answer 1

The line that most clearly indicates Paine's purpose for this passage is: "Ye men of Pennsylvania do reason upon these things!" This line directly appeals to his audience, urging them to think critically about their situation and the choices they face, which aligns with his overall intention of encouraging independence and rational discussion among the colonists.