Chapter 3 Flashcards
Autobiography
desire to provide a record of the circumstances of my life
Benjamin Franklin could not accept this principle of religion
Jesus Christ lived, died and was resurrected
Virtue emphasized in B Franklin’s plan for moral perfection
Cleanliness
Benjamin Franklin lived in what century?
Eighteenth (1706-1790)
Franklin was born 3 yrs. after this famous preacher
Jonathan Edwards
Although he was a scientist, inventor, educator, statesman, and much more, he was first and foremost a what?
Printer
Puritan examination of the world began with ____. Franklin’s began with _______.
Puritan=God
Ben Franklin=Man
What Puritan value did Franklin retain?
Hard-work
Franklin’s “The Autobiography” began as a letter to ?
His son
What major event interrupted Franklin’s writing of “The Autobiography”?
The Revolutionary War
Why was Franklin estranged from his son?
Political differences
Define felicity
Happiness
What did Franklin spend his money on as a child?
Books
This was the principal means of Franklin’s advancement early on in his life.
Prose Writing
Define Prose
A form of language that has no formal metrical structure. It applies a natural flow of speech, and ordinary grammatical structure rather than rhythmic structure, such as in the case of traditional poetry. Normal every day speech is spoken in prose and most people think and write in prose form. Prose comprises of full grammatical sentences which consist of paragraphs and forgoes aesthetic appeal in favor of clear, straightforward language. It can be said to be the most reflective of conversational speech. Some works of prose do have versification and a blend of the two formats that is called prose poetry.
In Franklin’s Autobiography, “Learning to Write”, his father pointed out his son’s strengths. Name the two strengths.
Spelling and Punctuation
In Franklin’s Autobiography, “Learning to Write”, his father pointed out his son’s weaknesses. Name the thee weaknesses.
Logic, Clarity, & Eloquence
In Franklin’s Autobiography, “Learning to Write”, what odd volume did Franklin read over and over, which inspired him to imitate this excellent writing?
“Spectator”
Having no teacher after the 3rd grade, how did Franklin learn to write?
Without looking at the book, tried to write his on sentiments. Then compared his writings with that of the Spectator. He discovered his mistakes and corrected them.
Having run away from Boston, believing his apprenticeship with his brother unfair, Franklin arrived where?
Philadelphia
Franklin arrived in Philadelphia tired, poor, and ignorant, yet he actually passed by the door of Mr. Read. How does he come to know Mr. Read?
His future wife’s father.
What changes did Franklin note in those who heard the Rev. George Whitefield’s preaching?
They went from being indifferent toward spiritual things to being religious and even signing psalms with their families at night.
What change of attitude did Franklin himself experience during the course of one of Whitefield’s sermons?
Franklin determined not to give anything in the offering but, upon hearing Whitefield’s orations, ended up giving all of his money.
What was the nature and duration of Franklin’s personal relationship to George Whitefield?
Franklin printed Whitefield’s journals & sermons. The men had a “mere civil friendship, sincere on both sides, and lasted to his [Whitefield’s] death.”
What creature does Franklin suggest the colonies send back to Britain?
A rattlesnake
What type of literary essay is “Exporting of Felons to the Colonies”?
Political Satire & Irony
Define Satire
the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
Define Irony
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Sarcasm
P. 108 “Our Mother knows what is best for us” is what type of statement and why?
Satirical statement. Franklin is discussing negative elements that no mother would ever expose her child to. Also, the term Mother is a pun off of Britain’s name of “Mother England.”
Although “Letter to Ezra Stiles” is itself calm and straightforward, to the Christian it is one of the saddest works in text. Why?
He doubted Christ’s divinity. This man, who was gifted with an inquiring mind and who had accumulated so much knowledge and wisdom, did not trouble to study this eternally important topic. He had no fear of his disbelief.
Even in early America, there were those who accepted God’s truth and those who rejected it. Discuss the differences between Franklin and Edwards.
Education: Franklin: self-taught, Edwards: Yale at 13
Differences: view of their Creator, themselves (families, personalities, attitudes, goals, achievements), and the world around them.
