Historical and Cultural Connections – Writing with a Purpose in Mind

Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense

In the 18th century, the American character was transformed by the growth of patriotism and democracy. As writers and other thinkers began to rely on the use of reason rather than faith alone to guide their daily lives and political practice, pamphlets and speeches provided a forum for the persuasive essay. In this topic, you will consider how the persuasive techniques and reasoning found in the Age of Reason had roots in both the European Enlightenment and the Puritan culture.

Essential Questions

• What are Rationalism and Deism?
• How did the Deists compare to the Puritans?