Major Themes in Franklin's Writing

1. Interest in the individual and society; the creation of an American national identity.

2. Tension between aristocracy and democracy; the awareness of America as distinct in values and interests from those of England.

3. Tension between appearance and reality; shift from an other worldly to a this worldly viewpoint.

4. Tension between romantic idealism and pragmatic rationalism; theory should be tested primarily by experience not logic; reason should be tested pragmatically.

COMPREHENSION AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What was Franklin’s education at school and in life?

2. What did Franklin do for the American Revolution as a journalist and as a statesman?

3. Why is Franklin considered the most important personality of the Age of Reason?

4. Discuss several contributions Franklin has made to American life, ranging from the practical to the ideological.

Writing:

Make up a chronology[2] of the writer’s life and creative work.

Writing option:

Research one of Franklin’s many inventions. Give a report on what inspired the invention and what effects that invention has had on our world today.

“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” is the traditional name for the unfinished record of his own life written by Benjamin Franklin from 1771 to 1790; however, Franklin himself appears to have called the work his “Memoirs”. This work has become one of the most famous and influential examples of autobiography ever written. Franklin's account of his life is divided into four parts, reflecting the different periods at which he wrote them. In his letters written to his relatives and friends, Franklin states clearly that the purpose of writing his Autobiography is to set an example to the younger generations by showing his own success in emerging from poverty and acquiring wealth, power, and reputation.

MORAL PERFECTION

(from The Autobiography)

It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project 1 about this time: the early

of arriving at moral perfection. I wished to live without committing 1730s.

any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural 2-6 What does Franklin want to

inclination, custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or accomplish?

5 thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I

might not always do the one and avoid the other. But I soon found

I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I had imagined.

While my care was employed in guarding against one fault, 8-10 What does Franklin realize?

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 812