The Crisis XI: On the Present State of News explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Patriotism and Sacrifice

  Paine invokes the memory of the dead and wounded to reject any dishonorable peace.

• Honor and Alliance

  Paine emphasizes the moral duty to uphold the French alliance and warns against British perfidy.

• The Role of Government and Alliances

  Paine discusses the importance of treaties and the need for America to remain steadfast in its international commitments.

Characters to notice

• Thomas Paine

  Author of the Crisis, writing under the pen name 'Common Sense' to address both America and the British ministry.

• America

  The young nation whose character and honor Paine defends against British seduction.

• Britain

  The enemy power whose shifting and dishonorable policies Paine exposes.

• Benjamin Franklin

  American minister in Paris whom the British secretly approached to disunite America from France.

• France

  America's ally, whom Britain tried to seduce into abandoning the colonies.

• General Conway

  British parliamentarian who moved to discontinue offensive war in America; described as a gentleman of amiable character.

• Congress

  The American governing body that Paine expects to reject dishonorable British proposals.

• General Burgoyne

  Mentioned in the Spanish memorial as a lawful prisoner, illustrating British inconsistency.

Key passages

• “I do not address this publication so much to the people of America as to the British ministry, whoever they may be, for if it is their intention to promote any kind of negotiation, it is proper they should know beforehand, that the United States have as much honor as bravery; and that they are no more to be seduced from their alliance than their allegiance.”

  Paine directly warns the British ministry that America will not be tricked into abandoning its alliance with France.

  Paine shifts his audience to the British, asserting American integrity.

• “Can ye restore to us the beloved dead? Can ye say to the grave, give up the murdered? Can ye obliterate from our memories those who are no more? Think not then to tamper with our feelings by an insidious contrivance, nor suffocate our humanity by seducing us to dishonor.”

  Paine asks rhetorically if Britain can undo the deaths it has caused, and warns against any attempt to manipulate American emotions.

  Emotional appeal to the cost of war and the impossibility of forgetting.

• “Character is to us, in our present circumstances, of more importance than interest. We are a young nation, just stepping upon the stage of public life, and the eye of the world is upon us to see how we act.”

  Paine argues that America's reputation matters more than short-term gain, as the world watches its conduct.

  Emphasis on national character and the importance of honorable behavior.