Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Franklin often emphasizes the role of his 13 virtues in his life and self-development. What do these 13 virtues reveal about Franklin’s personal values and moral assumptions? In what way do various incidents in his life conform to, or diverge from, these virtues?

Research some of the social and political developments in the American colonies in the years leading up to the Revolution. How does Franklin’s Autobiography describe or reflect some of these trends? What insights does Franklin’s text provide into the development of American identity and society at this time?

Although Franklin does not directly address racial and gender inequalities, he does provide commentary on the views of women and Indigenous peoples. How does his writing adhere to or disagree with the social views of the time?

Choose one of the people that Franklin mentions as playing an important role in his life. How does Franklin characterize this person? Why are they important to him? What is their wider significance in the text?

Many of Franklin’s ideals reflect the Age of Enlightenment’s influence on his thought. What are some of these ideals? How does Enlightenment thinking help to shape Franklin socially, politically, and/or religiously? In what ways, if any, does he differ from other prominent Enlightenment thinkers?

How does Franklin depict religious faith in America at this time? What does Franklin’s text suggest about the nature of American faith and practice in the colonies?

Compare and contrast Franklin with one of the other Founding Fathers, e.g., Thomas Jefferson. In what ways are the two founders alike in terms of background, career trajectories, and/or political ideals? In what ways are they different?

Franklin presents himself as something akin to a “self-made man,” and many commentators have viewed him as such. How does Franklin present his own “self-making” in the Autobiography? Do you think the label applies to Franklin? Why or why not?