Paine uplifts the soldiers’ spirits by making them feel as though their fight for the independence of their country is worth it. The soldiers, being at a low point, feel they are fighting a pointless war. They are losing battle after battle as well as their comrades. Additionally, they may have questioned why or who they were even …show more content…
Cowardice, in his eyes, was not acceptable as only by “perseverance and fortitude [they] have the prospect of a glorious issue” (Paine 695). Evidently, Paine is asking the soldiers to remain dedicated and courageous as the outcome would bring glory as opposed to a “ravaged country—a depopulated city¬—habitations without safety, and slavery without hope—[their] homes turned into barracks” (695). It was necessary for Paine to paint this picture of devastation and destruction. His choice of language here is very influential. Only in this way could he fill the soldiers with enough fear and dread to keep fighting the war for a better