Question
Read the following section from “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, and answer the question that follows.
“The custom of all courts is against us, and will be so, until, by an independence, we take rank with other nations. These proceedings may at first appear strange and difficult; but, like all other steps which we have already passed over, will in a little time become familiar and agreeable; and, until an independence is declared, the Continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.”
What is the main argument of this passage?
Courts must become independent of politics.
America must become independent of Britain.
America must be divided.
Individual’s rights are ignored.
“The custom of all courts is against us, and will be so, until, by an independence, we take rank with other nations. These proceedings may at first appear strange and difficult; but, like all other steps which we have already passed over, will in a little time become familiar and agreeable; and, until an independence is declared, the Continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.”
What is the main argument of this passage?
Courts must become independent of politics.
America must become independent of Britain.
America must be divided.
Individual’s rights are ignored.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The main argument of this passage is that America must become independent of Britain. Thomas Paine is emphasizing that until independence is declared, the colonies will continue to feel uneasy and burdened by their dependence on Britain, much like a person who procrastinates on an unpleasant task.