Benjamin Franklin is often called the “father“ of America, the fabulous American, or “the first American”, or as a anonymous reporter from 1856 wrote in theNew York Timesthat Franklin “was the incarnation of the true American character… Franklin was the true type of the pure, noble, republican feeling of America“(Huang p.31). Born as the son of a soap and candle maker in 1706 he then became one of the most famous Americans in his time and is even today well known, he is the embodiment of the American dream, from the dishwasher to the millionaire. Franklin was also an inventor, writer and philosopher, furthermore he was the first American who was international honoured and respected as politician and scientist. He was also “the only leading American who signed all four of the major documents that laid the foundation of the republic: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaties of Alliance (1778), the Peace Treaty between Great Britain and the United States (1783), and the Constitution of the United States (1787)” (Huang, p.37). But was is it that made him “the first American”? Which are the “American” attributes that Franklin embodies and in how far can one read these attributes and attitudes in Franklin’s autobiography and other writings? Was it his liberal and democratic sense, his belief in science and in progress that made him ahead of his time? Did his attributes shape the following generations and characterize the American Way even in nowadays? Is that the reason to say Benjamin Franklin is the first American? In his autobiography he describes his life in his own words and it is impressive how much attributes that are today considered to be American can be found autobiography and in some other writings of him. So the focus will be the search for similarities between Franklin’s “character” and the so called Americanness or thing that are supposed to American. The first very American thing about Benjamin Franklin is his way from rags to riches, it is also the first thing that comes to one’s mind when thinking about America. He fulfilled “the” American Dream. He was born as the son of a soap and candle maker and became one of the most famous Americans at his, and even still in our time. But of course his fame, and wealth didn’t fall from the sky, it was his work ethic, his self-reliance, his self-education, and his endurance that brought him that far. This work ethic, and endurance is very American, and an example for “Americanness”.
Table of Contents
1. Benjamin Franklin, the “first American”?
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this academic paper is to analyze the extent to which Benjamin Franklin embodies the quintessential "American" character and attributes, as reflected in his autobiography and other writings, thereby justifying his reputation as the "first American."
- The manifestation of the "American Dream" through Franklin's work ethic and self-reliance.
- Franklin's progressive stance on egalitarianism, democracy, and the early abolition of slavery.
- The role of mobility as a core American characteristic, exemplified by Franklin’s life and career.
- The interplay between Enlightenment religious thought and individual responsibility in the formation of American identity.
Excerpt from the Book
The Socratic Method and Self-Improvement
Franklin did not only want to excel in his writing but also in his rhetoric. He was for instance very interested in the Socratic Method of dispute. “And soon after I procur’d Xenophon’s Memorable Things of Socrates, wherein there are many Instances of the Same Method. I was charm’d with it, adopted it, dropt my abrupt Contradiction, and positive Argumentation, and put on the humble Enquirer and Doubter. […] I found this Method safest for my self and very embarrassing to those against I used it, therefore I took a Delight in it, practis’d it continually and grew very artful and expert in drawing People even of superior Knowledge into concessions the Consequences of which they did not foresee, entangling them in Difficulties out of which they could not extricate themselves, and so obtaining Victories that neither my self nor my Cause always deserved.” (lemay p.13). This quote shows how much Franklin was into improving himself, he adopted the Socratic method in an instant, and even improved it so that he was able to convince people even though they were superior or maybe right. This self education shows Franklin’s work ethic and attempt to outperform others. And exactly this work ethic and attitude makes the difference, it characterizes Franklin, and it is also characteristic for the Americans. It also shows that anyone can make it in the American society, with enough patience, endurance, and of course a lot of work everything is possible, what leads us again to the term “American Dream” and to the saying that everything is possible.
Summary of Chapters
1. Benjamin Franklin, the “first American”?: This chapter investigates Franklin’s life, his contribution to the founding documents of the United States, and his embodiment of the "American Dream" through work ethic, mobility, egalitarianism, and the development of a distinct American identity.
Keywords
Benjamin Franklin, First American, American Dream, Americanness, Autobiography, Self-reliance, Work ethic, Egalitarianism, Abolitionism, Mobility, Enlightenment, Socratic Method, Patriotism, American Identity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines Benjamin Franklin's life and writings to understand why he is frequently described as the "first American" and how his personal traits align with the concept of "Americanness."
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The text focuses on the American Dream, the development of American identity, Franklin's influence on political and social progress, and his personal philosophy regarding religion and ethics.
What is the main research question?
The work seeks to determine which specific "American" attributes Franklin embodied and whether these attributes are accurately reflected in his autobiography and other writings.
Which methodology is used in this analysis?
The author uses a qualitative literary and biographical analysis, examining primary source materials—specifically Franklin's autobiography, "Poor Richard's Almanac," and his letters—to identify thematic similarities between his character and American cultural values.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers Franklin's journey from rags to riches, his commitment to education, his financial principles, his sense of democracy and egalitarianism (including his views on slavery), his physical and intellectual mobility, and his evolving relationship with religious faith.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Essential keywords include Benjamin Franklin, the American Dream, self-reliance, work ethic, egalitarianism, and American identity.
How does the author analyze Franklin’s stance on slavery?
The author highlights Franklin’s progressive views by referencing his role as the president of an abolitionist society and his use of irony in a "Pro-Slavery Parody" to expose the logical fallacies of pro-slavery arguments.
What significance does the "Socratic Method" have in the text?
The author uses the Socratic Method as an example of Franklin’s intense desire for self-improvement and rhetorical excellence, which the author argues is indicative of an American drive to outperform others through intellectual adaptability.
- Quote paper
- Christian Imberi (Author), 2006, Benjamin Franklin - "The First American"?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/65732
