Benjamin Franklin's Treatment Of Women Essay

Contrary to its title, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, began as merely a series of letters before transforming into its current form; an autobiographical text. Throughout the text, the reader is introduced to the early life and work of the author: Benjamin Franklin. The biography is organized into sections that contain various details and aspects of his life at given times. However, in the introduction, he begins his story by implying that aside from the rest of the text, this section is meant to act as a letter to his son. Following this, Franklin delves into his ancestry before promptly shifting the focus onto himself. Although detail is given about background, much more focus is meant to be placed on his life ventures. The reader

They are discussing education and as their conversation progresses, it becomes clear that the idea that women are inferior is clearly being communicated and possibly shared. The specific part to be examined lies in the following quote: “Of the propriety of educating the female sex in learning, and their abilities for study. He was of opinion that it was improper, and that they were naturally unequal to it. I took the contrary side, perhaps a little for dispute's sake.” (Franklin). Aside from what history has taught us about how women were viewed during this time, this example reiterates these ideas. Although at first glance, it may appear as noble that Franklin claims an opposing view, it is important to consider that he also states that it was for “dispute’s sake.” This seems to be a clear implication that he also somewhat if not completely agrees with his

These two individuals are of great importance. One being a Messiah and the other a great philosopher. He may not say it, but he obviously holds himself in much higher regards than previously believed. Another supporting instance of this (which is probably overlooked at first) occurs in the beginning when he states “Hereby, too, I shall indulge the inclination so natural in old men, to be talking of themselves and their own past actions; and I shall indulge it without being tiresome…” (Franklin). Nevertheless, it makes for a believable portrayal of his