By 5pm Friday, add a “new post” (not a comment on this post) answering the following two questions:
1. What qualities of Benjamin Franklin’s memoir—still one of the most frequently read autobiographies in the US—make it a compelling narrative? Consider some of the following aspects of Franklin’s writing as well as others that might be of interest to you: his diction (word choice), style, tone, voice, humor, organization, use of examples. You might want to compare and contrast Franklin’s memoir with another you have recently read. Provide page numbers when you quote Franklin. Your response should be about 150 words long.
2. List two or three guidelines that should shape our classroom conversation so that it is constructive and respectful. Here are mine:
a) If you disagree with a comment made by another student, take issue with the comment, not the student.
b) “Step up, step back.” If you disagree with a comment made by a student, don’t let that disagreement go unexpressed. If you have expressed your view, be sure to take a step back to allow other viewpoints to be heard.
c) Individuals should not be viewed as representatives of their race, culture, nationality, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or any other group identity. In other words, avoid generalizations about groups of people.
Remember to read everyone’s posts before class on Monday, finish the assigned Franklin reading, and bring your signed syllabus forms if you haven’t already.
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ReplyDeleteBenjamin Franklin's memoirs continue to be read for a variety of reasons, the biggest being the humor and wit that he implores. As many people know reading a book without humor can sometimes be a dry, humdrum and difficult to task to complete. Franklin does a great job counteracting this by inserting lines such as "And, lastly (I may as well confess it, since my denial of it will be believed by nobody), perhaps I shall a good deal gratify my own vanity. Indeed, I scarce ever heard or saw the introductory words" (Franklin, 6). We have all read the story which has put us to sleep or has made our mind wander while trying to finish it, but using the humor that is shown within these lines Franklin is able to bring excitement and style to his essay which makes it much more enjoyable to read. Overall, Benjamin Franklin is a master of wit which appeals to readers from many different eras, because of this Franklin’s memoirs have been and will continue to be at the forefront of reader’s list.
ReplyDeleteRule List
ReplyDelete1. Wait for prior speakers to finish before interjecting
2. Respect all other speakers even if you do not agree with their statement
Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography is indeed one of the most read narratives of all. His fame and ingenuity are partly the cause of his autobiographical success, but the character of his stories themselves are what gives the work flavor. I would argue that the success of the book has little to do with diction or style. Benjamin Franklin's writing tends to carry on a bit, with sometimes excessive wordiness that modern readers may sometimes have difficulty identifying with. As such, I would suggest that the appeal of the work is a result of Franklin's intriguing stories, rather than the actual writing. His stories tend to display some greater meaning or act as a conduit for a valuable lesson. For example, one tale tells of Franklin's great philanthropy in giving his only remaining food to a woman and her child on the street (Franklin, 26). Other stories, like that of young Franklin making simple plans to construct a wharf with his friends are simply fascinating to read in light of his later success in life(Franklin, 11). In combination with Franklin's superior humor and extensive fame, stories of one of American history's legends draw in a steady supply of readers.
ReplyDeleteRule List:
ReplyDelete1. Though it is always best to encourage free conversation in the environment of an English class, when a topic of heavy debate is underway, students should raise hands to give opinions or at least allow other students to finish their thought process before sharing.
2. If a student is not interested in the topic of conversation, he or she should not carry on his or her own conversation as to avoid disrupting the learning of the individuals immediately around him or her and the class as a whole.
3. Always listen intently to what others are saying; you would want the same done for you.
When first reading Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography, one might question why it remains one of the most popular autobiographies in the US. However, Franklin utilizes various writing techniques to interest readers, the most prevalent being the content itself and his tone. If America were to be labeled with two major themes, they would likely be self-betterment and religion. It is the American Dream to own a home and become successful; this is because Americans have the freedom to aspire to do so. Also, Americans have freedom of religion. Especially in the beginnings of this country, this freedom was, and remains, a huge deal worldwide. That said, it would only make sense that Franklin’s autobiography, focusing on two pillars of American life, remains popular, despite a rambling, sometimes humorous writing style of Franklin. Incorporating blunt truth and humor, Franklin says it how it is. When talking about vanity, Franklin says, “Most people dislike vanity in others, whatever share they have of it themselves; but I give it fair quarter wherever I meet with it, being persuaded that it is often productive of good to the possessor, and to others that are within his sphere of action” (Franklin, 6). The confidence with which Benjamin Franklin writes and the content he writes about have endured the test of time and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteRules:
ReplyDelete1. Speak your opinion. Without participating, discussions are boring and worthless. Your opinion will contribute to the conversation in some way or form.
2. Be respectful. Listen to what others have to say. Say what you have to say, but be respectful. There is a fine line between disagreeing and confronting others. Disagreement is beneficial to a conversation; confrontation is detrimental. One must respect the opinion of others.
Ben Franklin's autobiography was a great story. I enjoyed his escapades throughout the Colonies and England. I was surprised by his writing style because it didn't seem like the old English writing. His use humor broke up the story so that it was manageable to read versus being a dry boring tale of someone's life. One example of humor is the story was, "So he swore he would make me row, or throw me overboard; and coming along, stepping on the thwarts, toward me, when he came up and struck at me, I clapped my hand under his crutch, and, rising, pitched him head-foremost into the river. I knew he was a good swimmer, "(34). This humor in messing around with a drunken friend on a boat really captured my attention. These scenes of humor were placed strategically throughout the story to keep the reader interested for the next time Franklin would do something funny.
ReplyDelete1. Arguments about a topic should be emotionless. What I mean by that is that when someone says something listen and then refute or agree with their statement. Don't attack the person who spoke.
ReplyDelete2. Pay attention to what others say, be a good listener.
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ReplyDeleteI have to admit, when we first got this assignment, I was was not looking forward to reading it. However, after starting the it, I immediately saw this was no ordinary autobiography. This was evident through a verity of things. For starters his tone was very compelling. It was as if Uncle Sam could say more than "Yes you can." In other words it was very motivational and all about becoming a self made man and going from rags to riches. I also thought that Ben definitely knew who is audience was when writing this. Since he was very successful, people who wanted to go from rags to riches would read this. Ben in knowing this talked very optimistic and sort of gave them a guide line on how to become the self made man. As said before I also liked Ben's use of humor and wit in his writing.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin Franklin wrote his autobiography in a way that incorporated a light and humorous tone to balance out the more serious events in his life. For example, he begins his autobiography by describing his childhood, styling it in a way that is carefree and nonchalant. He mentions that if given the choice, "[He] should have no objection to a repetition of the same life from its beginning" (6). Benjamin seems content with his life which allows for the readers to begin the narrative on a happy note. The autobiography continues with more childhood memories, all of which seem innocent and humorous. However, Benjamin then changes the tone to a more grave one by writing down the inscription of his parents' tombs, describing his silent escape from home, and his failure to find work in certain cities. This drastic change from nonchalance to seriousness makes the autobiography more relatable to the readers because in life, most people do not live completely in bliss nor do they live in complete stress. It is this mixture of carefreeness and tension that makes this memoir genuine.
ReplyDelete1) Do not interrupt a student when he/she is speaking even if you disagree. Listen completely to his/her thought before presenting your own argument.
ReplyDelete2) Do not attack a person for his/her thought. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Rules:
ReplyDelete1 Don't interrupt while someone else is talking
2 Raising hands shouldn't have to be necessary, but don't break rule one when doing this.
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