Thomas Paine's pamphlet The Crisis reflects thoughts, ideals and concepts during the literary period known as 'The Age of Reason.' Paine shows defiance towards the British government. He has the ability to appeal to the colonists as well as a sense of Nationalism and a desire for a more perfect "social order" (320).
             The Age of Reason is characterized by rationality and the use of logic as opposed to intuition to perceive truths. Nationalism, Deism and Enlightenment are three concepts of The Age of Reason. The Merriam-Webster Online's definition of Nationalism is loyalty and devotion to ones nation, exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations. Deism is a belief in one god. It is the idea "that God created the universe "wound it up" and then disassociated himself from his creation" (Reuben IV). The deistic approach to God is based on scientific facts that offer evidence and reason rather than biblical proof. The Period of Enlightenment is signified by scientific discovery and methodology. It appeals to logic and intellect. It is also an age of religious intolerance as most of the American colonist practiced the Puritan religion which followed very strict guidelines. The Age of Reason is a period of profound thinking that inspires revolutionary ideas in even the most common man; it is a time when people begin to have their own thoughts apart from the opinion of the church.
             Thomas Paine's The Crisis is a pamphlet designed to rally the American population toward freedom and to inspire Nationalism. He knew that in order to gain independence, war against Britain was necessary. He understood that in order for the war to be successful, unity among the colonists was essential.
             Paine begins by stating, "These are the times that try men's souls" (Paine 328)....