Benjamin Franklin: Tragic Hero Or An Archetypal American?

In Benjamin Franklin’s speech, he uses some phrases that are able to support his opinion on the faults of the constitution. He is willing to change his opinions for the benefit of our people. Ben Franklin believes that opinions are changed over time because even his opinions were changed as he matured and took the opinions of others into consideration. He stated that “- to change opinions even on the important subjects, which I once thought were right, but found to be otherwise.” It is crucial that people not only consider their opinions when making a decision, but also the views of others.

Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass wrote their autobiographies both during pivotal moments in history. Both men strive to, not only share the experiences of their lives, but also create a profound impact on society. They are particularly concerned with public impression, both have very specific goals, and both have limitations in achieving these goals, either by circumstance or vice. Although, from a broad point of view they have these similar intentions, they represent two very different aspects of the early American experience, and ultimately have little in common. Franklin, seeks to show men how to become exemplary citizens, and Americans, in a country coming into it’s own identity, whereas Douglass, endeavors to show a young nation,

Franklin’s views changed radically as he grew older. He did not publicly speak out against slavery until very late in his life. As a young man he

Ben Franklin did not try to re-invent others prior discoveries, but instead he paved the way for people to come. For example, the text reads, "These important concepts had come from an original experiment which Franklin had performed, and which turned out to be one of the most fundamental in physics". This quote could be used to prove that Ben Franklin would be a pioneer for scientists to come. He was able to revolutionize the way people live, while having dozens of his own ideas, and inventions. Not only was he a pioneer, but Ben Franklin was persistent.

Fredrick Douglas and Benjamin Franklin are both one of the most famous successful in American history. They both followed a certain milestone to make them successful. Even though they are considered hard workers, they both have different obstacles and different views in their lifestyle. Fredrick Douglas used to be a slave who was a fugitive and Benjamin Franklin was young white man who had a rough time with his parent because his parents are very abusive to him. By comparing the difference and similarities by these two great people in American history even though they had their rough times, that does not stop them from their success.

While back in America, Benjamin Franklin saves enough money to start his own printing press. At this point in his life, Franklin is continuing to write many of his books, exploring new ideas, and inventing. “It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wished to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the one and avoid the other.

Because of Franklin’s mutual respect between his audience and himself, it allowed listeners of the convention to be more open minded about his

Franklin claims that he has been living long enough to see errors that he made, therefore as he grow older, he tend to “doubt of [his] own judgment” because nobody is perfect due to his past experiences (43). The informations that Franklin presents is to show his reputation that he is not perfect, also his constitution but he is open minded and willing to make what is best for the people. The perspective errors of the constitution have, is being “sacrificed to the public good” meaning all the flaw that constitution have will not be reveal to the people (44). Franklin is very passion about what is best for the people and their happiness, furthermore his characteristic is very respectful toward the citizen and the congress.

Franklin was trying to reach perfection, and this excerpt documents that struggle. Many people try to reach a higher level of humanity, but none are able to achieve it. People will alway be flawed, no matter how they may wish this was not the case. “...I believe this [is] the case of many, who, having, for want of some

He had many quintessential factors about him and many admired him for that. Ambition, hard work, strength, and common sense were clearly displayed in his personality. Franklin had a passion for life and I think that he showed it to us by his many accomplishments. Benjamin Franklin is the ideal American and the one who revealed what is meant by the American dream.

Born in 1706 as the eighth of 17 children to a Massachusetts soap and candlestick maker, the chances Benjamin Franklin would go on to become a gentleman, scholar, scientist, statesman, musician, author, publisher and all-around general genius were astronomically low, yet he did just that. Franklin wrote in the Age of Enlightenment, an intellectual revolution in the 18th century. The ideals of the enlightenment are still thought of today, as they are a part of the United States’ Declaration of Independence and Constitution. When one remembers Benjamin Franklin very few people are aware of the fact that he worked as a printer until the age of 42. As a printer he had access to substantial amounts of literature.

Many of you are taught all about the Founding Fathers and how America got it’s Independence. I’m positive you’ve all heard about the famous Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, and about all his contributions to history. He has contributed to the draft of the Declaration of Independence, but that wasn’t the only important contribution he made. He bought a famous paper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, proved the electrical nature of lighting with a kite, and many other things were done by Benjamin. You were probably not told too much about Franklin’s other accomplishments.

Benjamin Franklin: The Archetypal American Modern American identity revolves around self improvement. Americans seek to improve themselves in all areas of life, be it socially, financially, or physically. Americans accomplish these goals through education and observing the successes of others. Benjamin Franklin, a man who is frequently admired by fellow Americans, embodies many of these qualities and, as such, has become an archetype of success and of what it means to be American. Benjamin Franklin is an archetypal American because of his values of self-improvement, community-mindedness, and frugality.

There were a lot of American men who had perfect influence on people’s mind of American society. Jonathan Edward and Benjamin Franklin were two of those writers, who were the most important and intellectual men, who left behind many admirable works for the future society. In spite of them being so intelligent, they have some different and similar views in terms of morality, personal responsibility, human nature, and limits of human knowledge and inform people how to live a better life. In addition, they were different in terms of religious inclinations. Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Edward were both philosopher and had similar views in terms of informing people the right way to live in order to be successful and get salvation by reforming their mind in their life.

Franklin made it a huge part of his life to continue bettering his education and himself. Due to Franklins determination, he became a very successful politician along with so much more. Lastly, religion was another large part of Franklin’s book, he speaks thoroughly about his thoughts on different religions and his search for what he truly believed in. Despite leaving his religious group and stating that he doubted the Revelation he still stated that he had respect for other religious groups and supported the