Brief Synopsis:
Inventor, writer, scientist, and statesman, this is the Ben Franklin we all know and love. Through his autobiography we gain access to the man behind these titles. One of seventeen children, Ben Franklin grew up in Boston in the early eighteenth century. His autobiography describes his journey from Boston, to Philadelphia, to London, and Paris. Over the course of this journey, Franklin was many things; all of which made him the man that we remember today. What was his greatest accomplishment? Was it his inventions? Where would we be today without his findings on electricity or the lightning rod, bifocals, heating devices, or any of his countless discoveries? Or was it his work as a statesman and founding father of America? He spent years fighting and negotiating for the freedom we benefit from today and this fight continued well past his prime as he was the oldest delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence. There is also his literary work. Franklin distributed many writings in his lifetime. His most popular is Poor Richard's Almanac, which he published in 1734. Many of his witticisms are still used in conventional language. Don't throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are made of glass. Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. It is hard to say which of these is his greatest accomplishment. Ben Franklin has contributed much to society and the world and his autobiography is his account of these contributions.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are Ben's thoughts about women? How does Ben view women that don't help to make their husband's fortune? How does Ben's own marriage fit into his views?

2. Ben Franklin has made numerous contributions to America, society, and the world. What aspect of Ben's career/life do you feel is his strongest asset? Why?

3. Think about Ben as a family man. How do you view his marriage to Deborah Read? How about is relationship with his son, William?

4. Do you buy this account of Ben Franklin? Do you think this is an honest portrayal? Or, do you think that this is just how he wants to be seen? Do you like/dislike Franklin more having read his autobiography? Has your opinion of Franklin changed since reading his own account of his life?

5. What are your thoughts on Franklin's Virtues with their Precepts and his daily schedule? Do you think this is something that a person living today could follow? Do you think there is a reason that modesty is the last virtue listed? Do you think that including modesty as one of his virtues has an effect on how he portrays his following of the virtues?

Additional questions using supplementary sources
6. D. H. Lawrence: Take a look at Chapter 2 of Lawrence's Studies in Classic American Literature. Do you agree or disagree with Lawrence's portrayal of Franklin? Does he use sufficient evidence to support his opinion? How does this affect your view of Franklin? Does it affect your view?