The question is...
What does Paine mean when he refers to "the summer soldier" and "the sunshine patriot"?
Here's the part of the passage it's used in:
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 their country; but he that stands by 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.
Please help.
2007-09-05 09:14:10 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
He means that it's easy to be a soldier or a patriot in good times, when there isn't a challenge or crisis.
2007-09-05 09:20:04 · answer #1 · answered by Mary Beth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He means that some people are ready to stand around and cheer when it doesn't cost them anything or put them at any risk, but the real patriot steps up and does the right thing, even if he gets shot/tarred and feathered/run out of town for it. A summer soldier/sunshine patriot is like a fair weather friend. When the going gets tough, they're not around.
Hope that helps.
2007-09-05 16:19:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those who show up only under good circumstances.
Those who are willing to put forth the effort, regardless of the conditions, are the real heros.
2007-09-05 16:21:00 · answer #3 · answered by dogsafire 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋