# The Crisis I explained — The American Crisis > Chapter companion for The American Crisis by Thomas Paine. ## What happens Thomas Paine opens with the famous line 'These are the times that try men’s souls,' calling for resolve against British tyranny. He contrasts the 'summer soldier' with those who stand firm, argues that freedom is worth the struggle, and asserts divine support for the American cause. Paine recounts his experience with the troops at Fort Lee, criticizes Tories as cowards, and urges all Americans to unite and fight for independence, warning that mercy from the enemy is folly and that victory will secure a happy future for the continent. ## Themes in this chapter ### Patriotism and Sacrifice Paine contrasts the 'summer soldier' with those who stand firm, emphasizing that true patriotism requires enduring hardship and sacrifice for the cause of freedom. ### Freedom vs. Tyranny The central conflict of the chapter: Britain's claim to 'bind us in all cases whatsoever' is condemned as tyranny and slavery, while America fights for liberty. ### Divine Providence and Justice Paine asserts that God will not abandon a people who have sought peace, and that the British king cannot claim divine help; he calls on Americans to 'show your faith by your works.' ### Unity and National Identity Paine appeals to all states and all people to unite against the common enemy, declaring that 'the heart that feels not now is dead' and urging collective action. ## Character check-ins ### Thomas Paine Author and narrator; recounts his presence with troops at Fort Lee and his march to Pennsylvania, and delivers a passionate call to arms. ### America The collective American people and cause; Paine appeals to them to stand firm and unite against British tyranny. ### Britain Portrayed as a tyrannical power enforcing slavery through taxation and military force; the king is described as a 'sottish, stupid, stubborn, worthless, brutish man.' ### Sir William Howe British general whose recent actions are described as 'rather a ravage than a conquest'; Paine warns against his threats and promises of mercy. ### Tories American loyalists criticized as cowards and traitors; Paine argues they are motivated by fear and urges their expulsion if they aid the enemy. ### George Washington Implied as the commander of the army; Paine references the troops at Fort Lee and the march to Pennsylvania, which involved Washington's forces. ### General Gage Mentioned as a previous British commander who was recommended by the ministry to use threats and promises to disarm the colonists. ### Providence Invoked as a divine force that will not abandon the American people; Paine urges faith in God's support for the cause. ## Key lines > 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 their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. This is a moment of great testing. Those who only support the cause in good times will abandon it now, but those who remain loyal deserve everyone's gratitude. _Paine's opening rallying cry distinguishes fair-weather supporters from true patriots._ > Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Overcoming oppression is difficult, but the greater the struggle, the more rewarding the victory. _Paine frames the difficulty of war as a source of future honor._ > What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Things that come easily are not valued; only what costs us dearly is truly appreciated. _Paine argues that the high cost of freedom makes it more precious._ > I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war. I am not superstitious, but I believe God will not abandon a people who have tried so hard to avoid war. _Paine expresses faith in divine providence supporting the American cause._ > Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it. Let future generations know that in the darkest winter, when only hope and courage remained, Americans united to face and defeat the threat. _Paine envisions a heroic narrative of collective resistance for posterity._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters/the-crisis-i - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_crisis_se/chapters