The figurative language in the excerpt aims to evoke shame for prioritizing self-preservation over community good.
The purpose of the figurative language in the excerpt from Thomas Paine's The Crisis, Number 1, is to evoke in the audience shame for placing self-preservation above the good of the community. Paine uses the imagery of a cowardice parent who shrinks back at a crucial time, causing harm to their children, to make the audience reflect on prioritizing personal safety over collective well-being.
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