246 unit 1: early american writing

background On the blustery Christmas Eve of 1776, the situation looked bleak for the Continental Army. General Washington’s ragtag troops had retreated to the western banks of the Delaware River. Tom Paine was camped with them. The British were within striking distance of Philadelphia, and Washington knew he had to advance the next day or risk losing the war. To boost the morale of his ill-equipped and outnumbered soldiers, he ordered his officers to read aloud the following essay, which Paine had written the day before.

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These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:—’ Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared, that she has a right (not only to tax) but “to bind us in all cases whatsoever,”1 and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then there is not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can only belong to God. a

Minute Man: Liberty or Death. Private collection. © Scala/Art Resource, New York.

CRISISThomas Paine

The

1. “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER”: a reference to wording in the Declaratory Act of 1766, in which the British parliament asserted its “power and authority” to make and enforce laws over the American colonies.

a PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUESIdentify the loaded language—words with strong connotations—in lines 1–12. Then para-phrase the lines using neutral language.

tyranny (tGrPE-nC) n. cruel and oppressive government or rule

esteem (G-stCmP) v. to set a high value on

celestial (sE-lDsPchEl) adj. heavenly

ANALYZE VISUALSA minuteman was pledged to be ready to fight on a minute’s notice. What does this suggest about the preparedness of the colonists?

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Targeted Passage1

differentiated instruction

Practice and Apply

a persuasive techniues Possible answer: Loaded words include “shrink,” “love,” “Tyranny,” “hell,” “glorious,” “triumph,” “Heaven,” “celestial,” “slavery,” “impious,” and “God.” Paraphrase of lines 1–12: These are difficult times. Some soldiers and citizens serve their country only in easy circumstances; those who stand up for their country in a time of crisis deserve credit and thanks. Overcoming a strong king is not easy. Accomplishing such a task makes the victory more meaningful. Winning freedom, in particular, has great value. Britain, with its powerful army, has asserted its author-ity not only to tax us, but also to make and enforce laws without our consent. No ruler on earth has the right to do this.If students need help . . . Alternate reading aloud a sentence from “The Crisis” and a sentence of the paraphrase.

L I T E R A R Y A N A L Y S I S

summaryIn this excerpt from his essay “The Crisis,” Thomas Paine calls upon all colonists to stand firm and united despite recent military setbacks. There is no cause for fear, he argues. Their ranks and supplies are intact. God is on their side. With resolve and perseverance, they will win this war. He points out that the king’s bids for peace are trickery, while independence is inevitable.

for all studentsExpert Groups Encourage students to become subject experts by selecting and researching one of these topics:• British campaign in the Middle states, 1776• General William Howe• Hessian mercenaries in the British army• significance of the Battle of Trenton

for less–proficient readersIn combination with the Audio Anthology CD, use one or more Targeted Passages (pp. 246, 248, 250) to ensure that students focus on key concepts in this selection. Targeted Passages are also good for English learners.

1 Targeted Passage [Lines 1–12]This passage defines a patriot, describes freedom as a worthy goal, and identifies the British as the patriots’ enemy.

246 unit 1: early american writing

246 unit 1: early american writing

background On the blustery Christmas Eve of 1776, the situation looked bleak for the Continental Army. General Washington’s ragtag troops had retreated to the western banks of the Delaware River. Tom Paine was camped with them. The British were within striking distance of Philadelphia, and Washington knew he had to advance the next day or risk losing the war. To boost the morale of his ill-equipped and outnumbered soldiers, he ordered his officers to read aloud the following essay, which Paine had written the day before.

10

These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:—’ Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared, that she has a right (not only to tax) but “to bind us in all cases whatsoever,”1 and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then there is not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can only belong to God. a

Minute Man: Liberty or Death. Private collection. © Scala/Art Resource, New York.

CRISISThomas Paine

The

1. “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER”: a reference to wording in the Declaratory Act of 1766, in which the British parliament asserted its “power and authority” to make and enforce laws over the American colonies.

a PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUESIdentify the loaded language—words with strong connotations—in lines 1–12. Then para-phrase the lines using neutral language.

tyranny (tGrPE-nC) n. cruel and oppressive government or rule

esteem (G-stCmP) v. to set a high value on

celestial (sE-lDsPchEl) adj. heavenly

ANALYZE VISUALSA minuteman was pledged to be ready to fight on a minute’s notice. What does this suggest about the preparedness of the colonists?

FL_L11PE-u01s43-AmerCris.indd 246 1/28/08 5:01:00 PMFL_L11PE-u01s43-AmerCris.indd 247 1/28/08 5:01:06 PM

analyze visualsPossible answer: The name “minuteman” sug-gests that the colonists were ready, willing, and able to fight anytime, anyplace. About the Art The minutemen fought the redcoats in the initial skirmishes at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. The colonists began calling for the formation of a “Grand Ameri-can Army.” On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress elected George Washington as general. His job was to shape the ragtag colo-nial fighters, including the minutemen, into a disciplined, united Continental Army.

backgroundSurprise Attack By the late fall of 1776, Brit-ish troops under General William Howe had pushed the Continental Army commanded by General George Washington across the Dela-ware River into Pennsylvania. Howe’s troops, which included both British soldiers and paid Hessian mercenaries, settled in New Jersey and proceeded to loot, murder, and pillage. Meanwhile, the vast majority of Washington’s troops had either deserted, been captured, or had expired enlistments, and fewer than 6,000 men remained under his command. On Christmas Eve of 1776, Washington prepared his men for an attack on Trenton, New Jersey, in part by having them listen to “The Crisis.” The Continental Army surprised Howe’s troops and won an easy victory. Washington’s army took more than 900 prisoners and killed nearly 30. No colonists died, and only a few were wounded.

• Who does Paine thank in the opening?• What does Paine say gives freedom its

value? • What words does Paine use to describe the

actions of the British?

for english learnersKey Academic Vocabulary Use Word Squares to teach these words: enforce (line 8), prin-ciple (line 42), individual (line 70), link (line 97), credit (line 104).

BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—TransparencyWord Squares p. E10

Prereading For prereading instruction for English learners, see

BEST PRACTICES TOOLKITScaffolding Reading Instruction pp. 43–46

for advanced learners/apAP exercises in the bottom channel provide additional challenge for students. Use these suggestions for small groups or individuals.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINESFor more help with differentiation and tips for classroom management, see

BEST PRACTICES TOOLKITDifferentiated Instruction pp. 31–38

the crisis 247