# Part First: Being an Answer to Mr. Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution explained — The Rights of Man

> Chapter companion for The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine.

## What happens

Thomas Paine responds to Edmund Burke's critique of the French Revolution, defending the principles of popular sovereignty and natural rights, and arguing against hereditary government and Burke's defense of tradition.

## Themes in this chapter

### Natural Rights of Man

Paine argues that rights are inherent to all individuals, not granted by governments or hereditary succession.

### Popular Sovereignty

Paine asserts that political authority derives from the consent of the people, not from monarchs or tradition.

## Character check-ins

### Thomas Paine

Author and primary voice of the chapter, defending the French Revolution.

### Edmund Burke

Target of Paine's rebuttal; criticized for his attack on the French Revolution.

### Marquis de La Fayette

Mentioned in connection with the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

### George Washington

Recipient of Paine's dedication in The Rights of Man.

## Key lines

> Part First Being an Answer to Mr. Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution

This first part is a direct response to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution.

_Opening statement establishing the chapter's purpose._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters/part-first-being-an-answer-to-mr-burke-s-attack-on-the-french-revolution
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rights_of_man_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rights_of_man_se/chapters