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How Does Benjamin Franklin Use Satire

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Benjamin Franklin is known for many things. Franklin was one of the so called leading fathers of our country. He was a scientist, inventor, politician and orator. One of his early achievements was that of a writer and publisher. It was Franklin’s writings that he was probably least known for. Franklin would often write articles and stories for his newspaper. As many writers of that time would do, Franklin often wrote articles or stories that were satires or comedic in their nature. “Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America” (476-480) was one such satirical story published by Franklin in 1784 that was somewhat humorous in nature but had a much deeper meaning. As the reader looks closer it is obvious that Franklin is writing about a much …show more content…

Franklin tells little anecdotes throughout the story in order to show just how ignorant the Colonists are about the ways of the Indian culture. He mocks and ridicules the Colonist and their Government through the use of irony and humor. Franklin does this in hopes of effecting social change in the way Colonist view the Indians. Franklin wrote in such away as not to be offensive to his reader. Franklin’s use of humor and irony tends to draw the reader into the story and in the end makes the reader think about what Franklin is really trying to achieve. Franklin is saying this may be a funny story but one needs to look deeper at the underlying issues here. Throughout this story Franklin brings up many considerations in a satirical way regarding the cultural differences between Native Americans and the …show more content…

One of Franklin’s final anecdotes explains how the Indians treat a traveling Colonist. The Indians invite the traveler into their Cabin. They offer the traveler shelter from the cold, they feed him and offer him a warm place to sleep. They ask nothing in return for their kindness and hospitality (480). It is quite the opposite for the Indian traveler. If an Indian should ask for shelter in a white man’s house the colonists ask for money and if the Indian has no money they would say “Get out, you Indian dog” (480). Franklin’s use of irony in this anecdote shows just how much the Indians are discriminated against and how far the white man will go in his cruelty towards the Indian

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