Question

There are persons too who see not the full extent of the evil that threatens them; they solace themselves with hopes that the enemy, if they succeed, will be merciful. It is the madness of folly to expect mercy from those who have refused to do justice; and even mercy, where conquest is the object, is only a trick of war: The cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of the wolf; and we ought to guard equally against both.

What is Thomas Paine’s main point in this passage from The Crisis?


Colonists need to rely on their cleverness rather than their strength.

England will trick the colonists into war by refusing to be merciful.

It is better to plead with the enemy and await their mercy than to fight.

You cannot expect mercy from one who has just conquered you.

Answer 1

The answer is:

You cannot expect mercy from one who has just conquered you.

In the excerpt from "The Crisis," Thomas Paine makes reference to Colonists who believe the English will be compassionate and refuse to see how wicked they could be. Besides, he considers it is mad to anticipate compassion from England when it has been unjust. Finally, he regards mercy a trick of war, and suggests guarding equally against England's intelligence and brutality.

Answer 2

Thomas Paine was one of the advocates of the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from England, even if that means using military force. His pamphlet “Common Sense” in 1776 was very influential in the start of the American Revolution.

In this passage from “The Crisis”, Paine’s main goal is option 4) You cannot expect mercy from one who has just conquered you. Paine encouraged the 13 colonies to declare independence from England and mentioned that England would look the best form them, no matter if their decisions affect the 13 colonies.

In “The Crisis” pamphlets, Pained encouraged soldiers to fight against the British army.