These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph...Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but ‘to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,’ and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to GOD.
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Taxes are bad.
B) God is all powerful.
C) America has a chance at independence.
D) Now is the time to rise up against Britain.
What is the crisis to which the writer refers?
What do you think the answer to your question?
The main idea of this passage is D) Now is the time to rise up against Britain.
To arrive at this answer, you can analyze the passage and identify the key points. The passage emphasizes the challenging times faced by individuals, referring to them as "the times that try men's souls." It mentions the "summer soldier" and "sunshine patriot" who would shy away from serving their country in this crisis.
The passage then goes on to express the idea that tyranny is not easily conquered, but despite this, there is consolation in the fact that the harder the conflict, the greater the triumph. It highlights Britain's declaration of the right to bind the American colonies in all cases, considering it a form of slavery. It concludes by stating that such unlimited power can only belong to God.
Based on this analysis, the main idea becomes clear: Now is the time for individuals to stand up and fight against Britain's tyranny. This aligns with answer choice D) Now is the time to rise up against Britain.