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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 4 page essay that argues that Benjamin Franklin's autobiography offers readers insight into the eighteenth century. In his introduction to Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, Louis P. Masur comments that the text gives the reader insight into understanding the social context of the eighteenth century (2003, p. 7). Examination of Franklin's text shows that Masur's assessment is extremely accurate, as Franklin's account of his life aids the modern reader in understanding the worldview of American colonial intellectuals. In particular, Franklin portrays the eighteenth century emphasis on reason and rationality, which was the fundamental precept of the Enlightenment. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khbenbio.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Examination of Franklins text shows that Masurs assessment is extremely accurate, as Franklins account of his life aids the modern reader in understanding the worldview of American colonial intellectuals. In
particular, Franklin portrays the eighteenth century emphasis on reason and rationality, which was the fundamental precept of the Enlightenment. Additionally, as Masur (2003) points out, the details of Franklins life
illustrate two themes of that are central for understanding eighteenth-century America -- "bonded labor and geographic mobility" (p. 2). Franklin begins his autobiography by relating the story of his
apprenticeship to his brother, which was a step taken by his father that enabled young Franklin to learn the printing trade. Masur points out that Franklin, as an apprentice, was
at the apex of the bonded laboring classes, which included indentured servants, convict laborers and slaves (2003, p. 2). In addition to Franklins apprenticeship being typical of the eighteenth century,
his decision to leave his brothers service and strike out on his on in Philadelphia appears to be also part of the norm during the colonial era. Masur comments that
Franklin once observed that "no man continues long a journeyman to a trade but goes among those new settlers and sets up for himself" (2003, p. 2). Franklins tone
is writing his memoir is conversational, which indicates that he tailored his account to appeal to a broad audience. The tone is humble, as Franklin indicates that his life
spent in perpetual self-improvement. For example, Franklin speaks of his decision to leave his apprenticeship with his brother as his "first errata," that is, one of his first errors. Such
admissions accomplish two things. First of all, they show the reader that Franklin does not pretend to be perfect; and, secondly, admission of his faults blends in well with the
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