Vocabulary
What does infallibility mean?
The inability to be wrong.
Why does Franklin believe any constitution will be imperfect?
Because humans themselves are imperfect.
From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?
What is Rhetorical Question?
What type of text is Speech in the Convention?
An argumentative text.
What rhetorical device is used when similar grammatical structures are repeated?
Parallelism
Define despotism.
Absolute rule or tyranny.
Why does Franklin want delegates to keep their doubts private after signing the Constitution?
To maintain unity and prevent weakening public confidence.
The delegates object to the Constitution as written; they argue that it should not be approved.
What is Counterargument?
What is a counterargument?
An opposing viewpoint that challenges the author's position.
Identify one example of parallelism from Franklin's speech.
"Their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views."
What is corrupted mean in Franklin's speech?
Dishonest or morally decayed.
Whose opinion does Franklin believe is key to a government's strength?
What is Franklin's main purpose in this speech?
To persuade delegates to approve the Constitution despite imperfections.
What is a rebuttal?
Evidence or reasoning that refutes the counterargument.
What is the purpose of parallelism in Franklin's speech?
To create rhythm and make ideas memorable.
What does Franklin mean by a salutary effect?
A beneficial or positive result.
Why does Franklin agree to support the Constitution despite its faults?
Because he believes a general government is necessary and that it will benefit the people if well administered.
How does Franklin use allusion to the Tower of Babel?
To warn that division among states will lead to failure and chaos.
How do rhetorical questions strengthen Franklin's argument?
They prompt reflection and emphasize points without needing direct answers.
How does Franklin's use of first-person plural ("we", "our") affect his tone?
It promotes unity and shared responsibility.
Define integrity as used in the text.
Moral uprightness or ethical value.
What does Franklin hope other delegates will do even if they disagree?
Set aside their personal objections and sign the Constitution for the public good.
That it will cause corruption, weaken unity, and harm the nation's reputation.
What is a concession, and how does Franklin use one?
Admitting that an opposing argument has some merit; Franklin admits the Constitution isn't perfect but still supports it.
How does Franklin's humility strengthen his ethos (credibility)?
By showing he values the public good over personal pride, making him more trustworthy.