Introduction
Variously known as the Enlightenment, the Neoclassical Era,
and the Augustan Age, the period between 1700 and 1800 was a natural outgrowth
of the Renaissance.
Europeans, especially the French and the English, took the Renaissance
interest in human affairs to new heights, focusing particularly on human
potential. Scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton, who introduced revolutionary
ideas in the study of force and optics, demonstrated humans' capacity for
understanding nature, and the inventions of the steam engine, cotton gin,
and other machines showed the extent to which humans could control their
environment. This attitude of empowerment showed up in other areas, as
well. In philosophy and politics, writers such as John Locke, Thomas Jefferson,
and Benjamin Franklin argued that individual humans, guided by their reason,
could and should govern their own lives and play a role in the government
of their countries, paving the way for the American and French revolutions.
Even artists seemed to show new interest in controlling things, namely
their works. Indeed, order and delicate ornamentation are distinctive characteristics
in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's symphonies, Benjamin Franklin's prose, and
Alexander Pope's poetry.
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"So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature,"
Franklin writes in the first part of his autobiography, "since it enables
one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do." Reason
is an important principle to Franklin, who refers directly or indirectly
to it throughout his work. What does it mean to him? Why does he value
it? What aspects of his culture would have reinforced this belief in reason?
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When studying a work of nonfiction, we can learn a lot by
concentrating on selection. That is, in choosing among the innumerable
events and details of life, what has the author chosen to include and why?
What choices has Franklin made, and what do these choices say about his
personality and his purpose in writing?
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Analyze Franklin's attitude toward religion. Consider his
reaction to the sermons he hears at the Presbyterian church.
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"It was about this time," Franklin writes, "that I conceiv'd
the bold and arduous Project of arriving at moral Perfection." What does
Franklin's project, his method, and his manner of describing them say about
his personality and his conception of virtue? Would you ever consider such
a project? Why or why not?
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What do you think of Franklin the man? Do you agree with
D.H. Lawrence, Herman Melville, and other writers, who have complained
that Franklin was shallow and overly practical? Or do you appreciate his
optimism and his enthusiasm for humans' control over their lives? Defend
your assessment.
Bibliography
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---. Benjamin Franklin: Writings. New York: Library
of America, 1987.
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---. The Complete Poor Richard's Almanacks. Vol. 1
1733-1747. Barre, Mass.: Imprint Society, 1970.
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---. The Papers of Benjamin Franklin. Ed. Leonard
W. Lebaree, William B. Willcox, et al. 25 vols. to date. New Haven: Yale
University Press, 1959-
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Hunt, Jina, Nick Keith, Courtney Khan, Brian McKeithan. "Printing
and the Printing Press." 1999.
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Lawrence, D.H. "Benjamin Franklin." Classic American Literature.
New York: Viking Press, 1961. Reprinted in Critical Essays on Benjamin
Franklin.
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Wright, Esmond. "Introduction." Benjamin Franklin: His
Life As He Wrote It. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1990.
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---. Franklin of Philadelphia. Cambridge: Harvard
University Press, 1986.
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People
Places
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Paris, France
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Events
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American Revolution (1775-1783)
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French Revolution (1789)
Terms
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autobiography
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diction
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Enlightenment
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essay
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leaves
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literary club
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nonfiction
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satire
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prose
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tone
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