Pathos (Emotional Appeal):
* Appeals to Patriotism: Paine constantly stirs emotions by reminding readers of the ideals of liberty, freedom, and independence. He uses terms like "the sacred cause of liberty" and "the glorious revolution" to evoke strong feelings of national pride.
* Appeals to Fear: Paine paints vivid pictures of the horrors of British tyranny, emphasizing the dangers of being enslaved and the potential for the loss of everything they hold dear.
* Appeals to Hope: He contrasts the bleakness of the present with a bright future under a free and independent America, painting a picture of a prosperous and happy nation.
Ethos (Credibility):
* Personal Experience: Paine draws on his own experiences in the war, lending credibility to his arguments by showcasing his firsthand knowledge and commitment to the cause.
* Appeal to Common Sense: He emphasizes his own common sense and rational approach to the situation, contrasting his practicality with the "folly" of the British and their supporters.
* Authority: Paine cites historical examples and philosophical arguments to support his points, giving his words weight and authority.
Logos (Logical Appeal):
* Reasoning by Analogy: Paine often draws parallels between the current situation and historical events, using historical examples to support his arguments about the necessity of fighting for freedom.
* Reasoning by Cause and Effect: He logically connects the actions of the British to their consequences, showing how their tyranny will ultimately lead to the downfall of both the colonies and the empire.
* Logical Fallacies: While generally avoiding outright logical fallacies, Paine occasionally uses emotional arguments that might be considered faulty logic, such as appealing to fear or guilt to sway the reader.
Other Rhetorical Devices:
* Repetition: Paine uses repetition of key phrases like "these are the times that try men's souls" to drive home his message and emphasize its importance.
* Anaphora: He uses the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences for emphasis and rhythm (e.g., "The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country").
* Metaphor and Simile: Paine uses evocative imagery and figurative language to paint vivid pictures of the situation and connect with readers on a deeper emotional level.
In addition to these techniques, Paine's writing is characterized by its clarity, directness, and passionate tone. These qualities, combined with his effective use of rhetorical devices, helped to rally the American people and inspire them to fight for their independence.