Benjamin Franklin Character Analysis

In “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin,” Franklin describes his life since he started school. He mentions his uncle frequently who provided several resources for him as a child growing up which is the first trait that makes him an outlier (Franklin 11). He has access to books and other materials at a young age which already puts him at an advantage in an educational sense. Another opportunity that arose for Franklin is that his “father [made him] a printer” which resulted his friendship with Matthew Adams (Franklin 14). “[Matthew Adams] took notice of [Benjamin Franklin], invited [him] to his library, and very kindly lent [him] such books [Franklin] chose to read” (Franklin 14). This provided Franklin access to several books, which helped

For example, Franklin’s rise from poverty, which goes with the idea of the self-made man which was a narrative that was idealized for American character. With his 13 virtues, he kept tally and notes on whether he was following them or not and how he can continuously follow these virtues which “embodied a sense of American moral good” (Suarez, Benjamin Franklin Lecture). This also reflects the American character at this time. Furthermore, he was a successful businessman which was glorified as an trait for the American

For example, his escape from slavery is one of the most admirable traits that relates to the ideals of the self-made man and the underdog. This is demonstrates the idea that the American character takes initiative and can rise from the lowest of the lows such as slavery. Next, Douglass’s will to learn how to read and write is also seen as part of the American character. This relies on the idea that the American character does all they can accomplish initiatives that are out of the ordinary. Lastly, Douglass’s success also is an romanticized idea of the American character, as being successful in your career was