American Roots: From Native Traditions to the American Revolution — Test
Question 25 • American Literature and Composition
Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I . “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: ’tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” Paine compares tyranny to hell in order to
Answer
A
emphasize that British oppression is too strong a force to overcome.
B
emphasize the maltreatment the colonies have faced under British rule.
C
illustrate that the oppression of the British government is far-reaching and evil.
D
illustrate the effects of the war between the colonies and Britain.
Explanation
Paine compares tyranny to hell to stress how evil and difficult to escape oppression is. He then says tyranny is not easily conquered, but that the hard struggle will make freedom’s triumph more glorious. This supports choice B: the comparison emphasizes the far-reaching, evil nature of British oppression, not that it is impossible to overcome.
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