Essay on Benjamin Franklin Gender Roles - 965 Words

Gender and the Age of Reason â€Å"In these two books, we have the story of a young man coming of age and finding success in the world and the story of a young woman coming of age and failing to do so. In either book, what gender roles prevailed?† In The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, we are reading the path that one man took to go from a middle class child to a well respected adult. Benjamin Franklin created what we know today as the American dream. Today we understand the American dream to be that one can go from rags to riches with a little hard work. The autobiography is based around the age of reason and a time man was thought to be able to be perfected by means of science and invention. The Autobiography of Benjamin†¦show more content†¦Benjamin Franklin is known as a political figure and scientist/inventor. Learning the importance of debate at such a young age clearly served him in great and many ways. Benjamin Franklin spent his teen years practicing his writing. In 1720, James started a newspaper known as the New England Courant. According to Franklin, this was the second newspaper in America. Franklin worked as a delivery boy and would publish his own writings anonymously. Franklin often disputed politics and books with another â€Å"bookish lad† by the name of John Collins. One of their arguments speaks directly about the female gender during the 1700’s. â€Å"A question was once, somehow or other, started between Collins and me, of the propriety of educating the female sex in learning, and their abilities for study. He was of opinion that it was improper†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Bantam Books, 1982, pg 14.) Collins shares the same views and mentalities that many men of the 1700’s shared. At the time, it was understood that education and teaching was not to be wasted on women. Not only was it a waste but Collins specifically states that it is improper. â€Å"I took to the contrary side, perhaps a little for disputes sake.† (Franklin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 14.) This statement, made by Benjamin Franklin, is of great importance. He goes against the general population, whether by choice or simplyShow MoreRelatedMary Rowlandson And Franklin s Views On Western Society s View Of The Natives1078 Words   |  5 Pages for example, experienced terror from the Natives; she gave a chilling look into the daily life of being under Native captivity. On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin gave a satirical perspective of Western society’s view of the Natives. Both Rowlandson and Franklin exemplify a difference in contrast of Native culture. The time of publication, gender of the author, and point of view exemplifies relations with the Natives and how they were viewed from a colonial perspective. Chronologically speakingRead MoreThe Puritan And The Embodiment Of Enlightenment1228 Words   |  5 Pagesbe very apparent. Despite the differences, the very existence of these two writers showcases the need for dissent to influence, and to always question the status-quo. Anne Bradstreet and Benjamin Franklin give a glimpse of the time period during the creation of their works. Many factors affect their writing: gender and the reason for writing, references to non-Biblical scriptures, and the presence of God. Perhaps the most significant display of the differences during the two time periods would beRead MoreThe Past And Present Of Writing1496 Words   |  6 Pagespublished newspaper. Benjamin Franklin published Poor Richard s Almanack for many years. His almanac is very much like a newspaper as it contained valuable information to help inform and entertain, just like a newspaper does. Poor Richard’s Alamack gave advice for anyone who was reading to take in and use the information. In one publication of the Alamac, Benjamin Franklin wrote his thoughts on the way to become wealthy and in this piece, titled The Way to Wealth, Franklin basically gives tipsRead MoreDifferences Of Abigail Adams And Benjamin Franklin1000 Words   |  4 PagesAbigail Adams and Benjamin Franklin each had similar educational backgrounds, however they did greatly differ in many ways.   Gender, beliefs, and personal beliefs on education were all factors that played apart in both Abigail and Ben’s education.   Ben and Abigail both had their own struggles when it came to being educated, but they both worked hard to continue expand their knowledge.   My own education has been substantially different from the ways Abigail and Ben went about getting educated, butRead MoreNative Americans And The New World1497 Words   |  6 Pageswere divergent from one another than similar. Native Americans had a more primitive lifestyle than the Europeans modern way of life. Europeans referred to themselves as â€Å"civilized† and looked at Native Americans as â€Å"savages.† In spite of that, Benjamin Franklin corresponded in, Remarks concerning the savages of North America, â€Å"Savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we think the perfection of civility; they think the same of theirs† (476). Their interaction caused by multipleRead Morereligion in the colonies773 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Since the very first colony was founded in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia, religion played a very important role in America. Nine of the thirteen colonies had established churches. Having an established church meant you paid taxes for the support of that church whether or not you were a member. The colonies with official state or established churches of the Congregational (Puritan) church denomination consisted of Maine, Connecticut, and Vermont. Colonies that remained a part ofRead MoreSpirituality in the Victorian Era Essay1409 Words   |  6 Pageshidden life spirit. Many eminent scientists including Benjamin Franklin practiced mesmerism and the study of it led to the development of hypnosis. The practice of mesmerism - a therapeutic system popularised by Franz Mesmer, who believed that he had created a technique which allowed its practitioner power over another’s mind - carried on this tradition. As there were often clear class and gender differences between the mesmerist and subject, the roles could be inverted. Whilst in a trance the lowly parlourRead Morefamous people1742 Words   |  7 PagesJefferson The author of the five most important words in American history: â€Å"All men are created equal.† 4 Franklin Delano Roosevelt He said, â€Å"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,† and then he proved it. 5 Alexander Hamilton Soldier, banker, and political scientist, he set in motion an agrarian nation’s transformation into an industrial power. 6 Benjamin Franklin The Founder-of-all-trades— scientist, printer, writer, diplomat, inventor, and more; like his country, he containedRead MoreChapter 2 : The Constitution1418 Words   |  6 Pagestaking place. It pushed the New England States to join the Articles and fearful of another event happening again they decided to change the Articles. 5) James Madison and Benjamin Franklin both played key roles at the Constitutional Convention. Madison playing the â€Å"father of the Constitution† of which he composed of himself. Franklin was there as an advisor, as he was one of the most influential minds in the country. The Framers were suspicious of democracy because they weren’t if it would surpass theRead MoreWomen During The Revolutionary Era1857 Words   |  8 Pagesopportunities to influence public life, it was often limited and ridiculed by women’s traditional roles to society. The American Revolution signified a period that was rich in debates about the nature of the government as well as the rights of citizens. It generated changes in the principles, opinions, and beliefs of the American people; changes that would have an impact on the social, political views, and gender roles as the thirteen colonies were being molded into, what we now kas the United States of America