In Thomas Paine’s “Crisis Number One” he expresses that American colonists must rebel against Britain’s oppressive rule; he conveys his thoughts by using unvarnished vocabulary, elongated sentences and varying examples of Pathos, Logos and Ethos. Thomas Paine’s “Crisis Number 1” uses Diction, Figurative language and Rhetorical devices to exemplify the persuasive nature of his speech.

Thomas Paine’s Diction and word choice in “Crisis Number One” vary from simple to complex and the syntax is straightforward. Simple words are used in this piece of literature. Paine portrays his selection of simpler words in the line, “These are times that try men’s souls” (Thomas Paine 108). Some people in the 1800s were not well educated; therefore could not understand elaborate words; however with the way Paine has worded “Crisis Number 1”, even a child could read and comprehend it. On the other hand, the writing style is tight, efficient and straightforward. In the line “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly” (Thomas Paine 108), shows Thomas Paine’s seriousness. The way Thomas writes does not elaborate on his subject; it tells the reader exactly what his point and moves on. Another point is that direct syntax is used in “Crisis Number 1”. The normal order of an English sentence is: Subject, verb and then everything else. In the line “It matters not where you live, what rank of life you hold, the evil or blessing will reach you all” (Thomas Paine 110), syntax is portrayed. Syntax is usually used for emphasis and Paine uses that to his advantage. Diction, vocabulary choice, and syntax are used by writers to convey their purpose and Paine employs all such tactics.
Figurative language is used in many points in the “Crisis Number 1”. Similes, Metaphors and personification are only a few examples. Similes are one of the many Figurative language used in this pamphlet. A line in the “Crisis Number One” conveys an important point and is also a simile, “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered” (Paine 108). Paine uses similes to compare and contrast his topic. Another example of figurative language used is personification. In the line, “America did not, nor does not want force” (Paine 109). Metaphors are the last figurative language used in Thomas Paine’s “Crisis Number 1”. In the line, “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" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth” (Paine 108). The way Paine uses figurative language goes hand in hand with his whole writing style; it shows his seriousness about the reader understanding his point; however not being dull about it.

Pathos, logos, and ethos are expressed in many locations in the “Crisis Number One”. Logos is one of the Rhetorical Devices used in the pamphlet. Logic is shown where Thomas Paine writes, “and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated” (Paine 108). Paine uses logos to show hard evidence on why the reader should do as he says. Another rhetorical device used is Pathos. Paine employs pathos in the line that states, “I turn with the warm ardor of a friend to those who have nobly stood and are yet to stand the matter out” (Paine 108). This shows how Paine tells the reader that he is a friend and that you can trust what he is saying.

As it has been made clear as crystal, Thomas Paine uses short punctuated sentences for emphasis, many uses of figurative language and straightforward syntax.

Works Cited
Paine , Thomas. ""Crisis Number 1"." Trans. Array Elements of Liturature. . Fifth Course.
asdsAustin,Texas: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1997. 108-111. Print.