What do you think is Paine’s purpose in this excerpt from Common Sense? Cite evidence from the excerpt to support your claim. When William the Conqueror subdued England he gave them law at the point of the sword; and until we consent that the seat of government in America, be legally and authoritatively occupied, we shall be in danger of having it filled by some fortunate ruffian, who may treat us in the same manner, and then, where will be our freedom? Where our property?

Respuesta :

Paine here, in this excerpt, wants to convince and reuse the American people that they need to take control over their territory.

Paine comperes the situations Americans are in with the conquest of William the Conqueror who conquered England in 1066. He took control of the country by force and gave them his law as Paine says "at the point of  the sword". England is now doing that to the colonies in Paine's view. They can't decide anything for themselves and are at the mercy of the British king.

Answer: Paine's purpose is to convince Americans to seek freedom from British rule as soon as possible. He wants people to start fighting for America's independence before it’s too late. He reminds them, "When William the Conqueror subdued England he gave them law at the point of the sword." Paine doesn’t want America to have the same fate that England suffered under the rule of William the Conqueror.