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
emphasize the maltreatment the colonies have faced under British rule.
illustrate that the oppression of the British government is far-reaching and evil.
emphasize that British oppression is too strong a force to overcome.
illustrate the effects of the war between the colonies and Britain.