Benjamin Franklin Paper

* What were five of the most significant historical issues, attitudes, events, etc. that Wood described in the context of Franklin’s life? These should be subjects that concern politics, society, or culture in the 18th century, not Franklin’s particular life. At least one of the items you choose should reference class attitudes, one should reference gender issues, and one should reference ethnic or race relations. The other two can be from any category. For the most part, you should be able to discuss them without mentioning Franklin’s name. Try to stay away from things like the Stamp Act or the writing of the Declaration of Independence unless there is something you learn that was really new to you.

Gender- marriage as a tool to advance in society…

* Hundreds of biographies have been written about Franklin. Why did Wood decide to write one more? How well did Wood meet his own objective?

* One of Wood’s central arguments is that the “historic Franklin” is very different than the “symbolic Franklin” and that the image of Franklin has changed dramatically over time. (16) What do you make of this argument? How did the 18th century Americans view Franklin? How did Franklin’s reputation change over time?

Although the facts remain the same, Franklin’s reputation has changed over time.

The historic Franklin…

It was not until after his death, that Franklin became symbolic.

* Franklin is often described as a “self-made man.” (2) What does that description mean to you? How do you think Franklin would have understood that description? What would he have thought was being “made”? Was the thing being “made” something external or something within Franklin?

Although his reputation changed over time, one view that remained constant was that he was a self-made man. To me, a self-made man is someone who is able to become successful without the help of anyone else. I think that Franklin would say that a self made man was someone who...