The blurb of the novel on the back cover starts, “ Famous as a scientist, statesman, philosopher, businessman, and civic leader, Benjamin Franklin was also one of the most powerful and controversial American writers of his time, and has been a subject of intense debate ever since.” Through his roles as a government leader, a prominent figure in American pre- and post-Revolutionary society and even a controversial writer, Franklin’s identity is laid out and defined for us. This is what he did, who he was, and how he can be classified in the history books. National folklore has portrayed him as an almost mythical character in American history. However, does this mythicism cloud the audience’s interpretation of other aspects that make up his identity, such as his personal life, relationships, and his everyday interactions?
Stein believed that the mundane aspects of daily life are as important in shaping an individual’s identity as the main, noteworthy accomplishments and events in their life. In this aspect, I agree with Stein and have enjoyed thus far the interactions in Franklin’s autobiography that bring him down from his pedestal to give him a more humane, relatable side. The example of his vegetarianism compels me the most; it is the one thing so far that has caught me off guard in the novel. Early in the novel (16), Franklin starts his habit of vegetarianism. However, when going hungry on a voyage back to Boston where the only sustenance was cooked fish, he is flexible. “I balanced some time between Principle & Inclination: till I recollected, that when the Fish were opened, I saw smaller Fish taken out of their stomachs: - Then, though I, if you eat one another, I don’t see why we mayn’t eat you” (35).
The impetus of hunger drove him to eat fish, and this basic human instinct gives him a universally relatable and more humane side. His justification to succumb to hunger is slightly humorous, and showcases his sharp analytical skills. The small anecdote of his vegetarianism (and stray from it) gives the audience a peek into a side of Ben not seen before. It could be seen positively, giving him a more humane side, or negatively, that he strayed from his basic principles and is not consistent. Do you think this anecdote demystifies Franklin from his mythical state in a positive or negative way, or a combination of the two? And how does this affect the balance of the mundane with the exciting events in his life that construct his identity?
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3 comments:
One of Franklin's most intriguing characteristics is the way he treats both trivial and cataclysmic events as equally important. Ironically, Franklin embodies both an abused assistant and a terrorist-revolutionary! My favorite instance of Franklin's determination is when he simply decides a subscription library would be a good idea. And then he founds one(68). By treating the magnum opus just as attainable as breaking a bad habit, Franklin empowers himself to succeed in most anything he attempts. While he admits his faults, he only does so nominally, and in the singular ("erratum"). Put succinctly, Franklin never fails; he either succeeds or changes his mind.
To a certain degree, I tend to disagree with the idea that the choice of vegetarianism as one that was mundane. Decided to consciously make a lifestyle change at a time when no other person would have fathomed strikes me as a serious choice that requires deep thought.
In addition, about his tendency to betray his morals on occasion (eating meat and french whores), I find that these moments work to ruin my perception of Franklin.
I first disagreed with Dan's comment that "Franklin never fails; he either succeeds or changes his mind." Franklin's attempt at ridding himself of all faults is ultimately unsuccessful. Although this appears as a failure, Franklin decides that "a speckled ax [is] best" (86), changing his mind from his original idea of being spotless.
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