Benjamin Franklin is known for many things. Franklin was one of the so called leading fathers of our country. He was a scientist, inventor, politician and orator. One of his early achievements was that of a writer and publisher. It was Franklin’s writings that he was probably least known for. Franklin would often write articles and stories for his newspaper. As many writers of that time would do, Franklin often wrote articles or stories that were satires or comedic in their nature. “Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America” (476-480) was one such satirical story published by Franklin in 1784 that was somewhat humorous in nature but had a much deeper meaning. As the reader looks closer it is obvious that Franklin is writing about a much …show more content…
Franklin tells little anecdotes throughout the story in order to show just how ignorant the Colonists are about the ways of the Indian culture. He mocks and ridicules the Colonist and their Government through the use of irony and humor. Franklin does this in hopes of effecting social change in the way Colonist view the Indians. Franklin wrote in such away as not to be offensive to his reader. Franklin’s use of humor and irony tends to draw the reader into the story and in the end makes the reader think about what Franklin is really trying to achieve. Franklin is saying this may be a funny story but one needs to look deeper at the underlying issues here. Throughout this story Franklin brings up many considerations in a satirical way regarding the cultural differences between Native Americans and the …show more content…
One of Franklin’s final anecdotes explains how the Indians treat a traveling Colonist. The Indians invite the traveler into their Cabin. They offer the traveler shelter from the cold, they feed him and offer him a warm place to sleep. They ask nothing in return for their kindness and hospitality (480). It is quite the opposite for the Indian traveler. If an Indian should ask for shelter in a white man’s house the colonists ask for money and if the Indian has no money they would say “Get out, you Indian dog” (480). Franklin’s use of irony in this anecdote shows just how much the Indians are discriminated against and how far the white man will go in his cruelty towards the Indian
1. “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” ― Benjamin Franklin 2. Benjamin Franklin remains one of the founding fathers of the United States of America because he drafted the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Franklin also was an author, politician, scientist, and inventor who were born in Boston in 1706.
Throughout the seventeenth century, conflict between Europeans and Native Americans was rampant and constant. As more and more Europeans migrated to America, violence became increasingly consistent. This seemingly institutionalized pattern of conflict begs a question: Was conflict between Europeans and Native Americans inevitable? Kevin Kenny and Cynthia J. Van Zandt take opposing sides on the issue. Kevin Kenny asserts that William Penn’s vision for cordial relations with local Native Americans was destined for failure due to European colonists’ demands for privately owned land.
Right from the start, you can see the irony in his writing when Franklin states, “savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we think the perfection of civility; which they think of theirs” (244). From this, we can draw that Franklin does not believe that natives are savages
All throughout Wood's book the reader will see insight from both sides and be able to imply ones own outlook on Franklin's loyalty to the
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.
Benjamin Franklin is known to be an “Archetypal American,” because of his beliefs on religion, self-improvement, hard work, and determination; but also his somewhat prideful spirit. Much of modern America is quite similar to Franklin in his actions throughout his lifetime. In his early years, Franklin’s father, Josiah, had a set plan for what he was supposed to do with his life, as a minister. Soon into his education, he found an interest in reading and writing, so he began pursuing a career in printing.
Merrell’s article proves the point that the lives of the Native Americans drastically changed just as the Europeans had. In order to survive, the Native Americans and Europeans had to work for the greater good. Throughout the article, these ideas are explained in more detail and uncover that the Indians were put into a new world just as the Europeans were, whether they wanted change or
Benjamin Franklin uses humor in his speech in order to criticize society at the time. Polly Baker has 5 children out of wedlock in this story. This is a completely ridiculous idea for the time as it was considered a crime and a sin. In addition she has received numerous punishments, corporal and monetary in nature. In the speech Miss Baker laments to the court about how heavily she has been punished while those that fathered the children were not.
“Words can inspire, and words can destroy. Choose yours well.” - Robin Sharma. In 1787, a convention was held to determine the efficiency of a debatable Constitution discussed by the delegates. Benjamin Franklin, having represented Pennsylvania, then presented a speech regarding his position on the topic, declaring his agreement to it in spite of his uncertainty on whether or not it will result in negative consequences in the future.
Red Jacket and Franklin have very similar arguments when it comes to defending the native Americans. Red Jacket claims that the “Great Spirit has made us all, but He has made a great difference between his white and red children. He has given us different complexions and different customs” (Jacket,1809/2013, p.231) is making the inference that the Great Spirit created them differently for a reason, he also makes the inference that they worship the same Great Spirit, but in different ways. Just like Red Jacket, Benjamin Franklin Identifies that they are made differently. Benjamin Franklin states that “they have acquired great order and decency”
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.
Both pieces are very intertwined with American literature. For both to be such great American works of literature there is a strikingly a large difference in mannerism between Rip Van Winkle and Benjamin Franklin; and with that a whole different theme to the intended audience. Rip Van Winkle is portrayed as a very lackadaisical man. Rip Van Winkle is constantly verbally berated by his nagging wife and seeks asylum any way possible. Most of the time it is leisurely walks through the town and the encompassing mountain range, The Catskill mountains.
He talks about things from the “establishment, that which [he] first formed, called the Union Fire Company” (Franklin 82) which was a big deal back then to inventing a new fireplace. He writes about his good deeds because Franklin wants to show what good Americans can do. His son would probably not have care as much, but the general public would care how Americans can prosper. Part three is all about how he prospered, how he lived the ‘American Dream’ Some believe that Benjamin Franklin wrote about his good deeds because he wanted to show Great Britain how great America was. He wanted to show that they could grow and prosper, that the Americans do not need Great Britain to survive, that they are fine by themselves, maybe ever
The Indians are ironically, more civilized than the white people, for they communicate to solve disputes, and appear to have more manners than the whites. Franklin states, “The politeness of theses savages in conversation is indeed carried to excess.” This proves that the Indians indeed, were more polite, in ways such as declining politely to their impressions of education and religion. The Indian people don’t like to cause disputes, and they choose to listen before arguing. Although viewed as uncivilized savages, the Indians are actually polite, communicative people.
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.