Franklin's Life and Experiences 1
Why does Franklin leave Boston and travel to Philadelphia? What does this decision reveal about his character?
Franklin leaves Boston because of his difficult relationship with his brother James, who treats him harshly during his apprenticeship. He wants greater freedom and better opportunities, so he secretly leaves for Philadelphia. His decision reveals that he is independent, ambitious, courageous, and willing to take risks to improve his future.
What happened to General Braddock's army, and what did Franklin learn from the defeat?
Braddock's army was defeated by French and Native American forces. Braddock was mortally wounded, and his army was forced to retreat. Franklin recognized that traditional European military methods were poorly suited to fighting in the American wilderness.
What was Franklin's “Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection”?
It was a self-improvement system in which Franklin practiced 13 virtues. He focused especially on one virtue each week while attempting to practice all of them and recorded his progress.
According to Foster, what makes a journey a “quest”?
A quest involves a character who travels to a destination for a stated reason but usually discovers something more important along the way. The journey often leads to personal growth or a deeper understanding of the character's life.
If Franklin is the “hero” of his autobiography, what is the name of at least one of the people standing beside him?
Possible answers include James Franklin, William Keith, Thomas Godfrey, Joseph Breintnal, and the members of the Junto.
How does Franklin's vegetarian diet benefit him while he is living in Philadelphia?
Franklin chooses a simple vegetarian diet because it is inexpensive. The money he saves allows him to purchase books, and preparing simple meals gives him more time to read and study.
What scientific achievement helped make Franklin famous internationally?
Franklin's experiments with electricity, including his work demonstrating that lightning is electrical, earned him international recognition.
Why did Franklin create his list of 13 virtues?
Franklin wanted a practical system for improving his character. By focusing on specific virtues, he could identify his weaknesses and deliberately work to correct them.
What does Philadelphia symbolize in Franklin's journey?
Philadelphia symbolizes possibility, independence, opportunity, and a new beginning.
Which supporting character has the greatest influence on Franklin's early development? Why?
James Franklin is arguably the most important because his conflict with Benjamin helps push Franklin toward independence. James's treatment of Benjamin contributes to Franklin's decision to leave Boston and seek a new life in Philadelphia.
What was Poor Richard's Almanack, and what made it successful?
Poor Richard's Almanack was an annual publication containing calendars, weather information, practical advice, and witty sayings. It became successful because it was useful, entertaining, and promoted values such as hard work and thrift.
What type of eyewear did Franklin invent and why?
He invented bifocals because he was tired of switching between between 2 pairs of glasses.
How did Franklin track his progress toward moral perfection?
Franklin kept a small notebook or chart in which he recorded his failures to practice each virtue. He focused on one virtue each week while continuing to practice the others. This allowed him to monitor his behavior and identify areas where he needed improvement.
What is the deeper purpose of Franklin's journey to Philadelphia?
Although Franklin initially travels to Philadelphia to find work as a printer, his journey becomes about much more than employment. Philadelphia gives him independence, new relationships, and opportunities to develop his skills. Ultimately, the journey represents Franklin's movement toward creating his own identity and becoming the person he wants to be.
What is Franklin's symbolic “mark” of greatness?
Franklin's 13 virtues serve as his symbolic mark because they represent his determination to recognize his weaknesses and deliberately improve his character.
What was the Junto, and why did Franklin establish it?
The Junto was a discussion group made up primarily of tradesmen and businessmen. Franklin created it so members could exchange ideas, improve themselves, discuss important issues, and develop projects that benefited the community.
What kind of weekly spa treatment did Franklin enjoy?
An "air bath" sitting in front of an open window.
Name three of Franklin's 13 virtues.
Possible answers include Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.
How might moving from a small town to a large city change a person's identity and future?
Moving to a larger city can provide new opportunities, relationships, experiences, and greater independence. It can also change a person's expectations and identity as they encounter new people, ideas, and challenges.
How does Franklin's virtue system connect to Foster's idea of “Marked for Greatness”?
Foster's concept encourages readers to pay attention to characteristics that distinguish a character. Franklin's 13 virtues function as a symbolic mark because they identify the qualities Franklin believes are necessary for becoming a better and more successful person. His chart also makes his effort to improve visible and measurable.
Why did Franklin become involved in military leadership even though he was not a professional soldier?
Franklin became involved because Pennsylvania needed someone who could help organize its defenses. He was practical, organized, and willing to take responsibility. His involvement demonstrates his sense of civic responsibility.
What type of dollar bill and coin does Franklin's face appear on?
The $100 bill and his profile was on the half dollar coin from 1948-1963.
How does Franklin define Humility, and why is his definition significant?
Franklin defines Humility as “Imitate Jesus and Socrates.” This is significant because Franklin connects humility with both a biblical figure, Jesus, and a classical philosopher, Socrates. It demonstrates that his system of virtues draws from multiple intellectual and moral traditions.
According to Foster, why are meals in literature often about more than food?
Meals can symbolize friendship, acceptance, trust, community, celebration, power, reconciliation, or opportunity. The people who share a meal and the circumstances surrounding it can reveal important relationships.
What did Franklin famously choose not to profit from?
His inventions! He believed inventions should benefit everyone and chose not to patent his inventions, including the lightning rod and bifocals.