Angelo Costanzo Of Shippensburg University, PA, Suggests Tha

Angelo Costanzo Of Shippensburg University Pa Suggests That Franklin

Angelo Costanzo of Shippensburg University, PA suggests that Franklin's Autobiography "shares some interesting parallels with Equiano's narrative. Equiano, like Franklin, is an enterprising young man rising up in life and playing numerous roles that help to develop his character in a free world of possibility. Both Equiano and Franklin use self-ironic humor to depict their adventures, and frequently they see themselves acting the role of the [crafty adventurer or rogue]...a stratagem used many times for survival purposes." Perhaps you disagree with Costanza, and see more contrasts than parallels in the narratives. Choose whichever comparisons, or contrasts or connections you want to develop. Write a short paper (no more than 3 pages). Follow MLA format.

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Angelo Costanzo Of Shippensburg University Pa Suggests That Franklin

The autobiographies of Benjamin Franklin and Olaudah Equiano stand as seminal texts in American and British literature, offering insight into the lives and identities of two influential figures who navigated the complexities of society, self-perception, and survival. Angelo Costanzo of Shippensburg University astutely observes that both narratives exhibit striking parallels, particularly in the depiction of their authors as resourceful, enterprising young men who craft their identities through humor, stratagems, and resilience. While this perspective captures significant similarities, it is equally important to explore contrasting elements—how Franklin and Equiano diverge in their cultural contexts, authorship purposes, and views on freedom—that shape their autobiographies into unique literary contributions.

Parallels in Self-Invented Identity and Humor

Both Franklin and Equiano portray themselves as individuals who leverage humor and craftiness to navigate their worlds. Franklin’s autobiography, filled with self-ironic humor, recounts his early endeavors as a printer, inventor, and civic leader. His tone often reveals a playful humility that underscores his resourcefulness, as he presents himself as a self-made man rising through ingenuity and wit. Similarly, Equiano’s narrative employs irony and wit to challenge stereotypes and emphasize his resilience. His storytelling includes clever strategies for survival during the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting his ability to adapt and outsmart captors and oppressors. Both authors introduce themselves as cunning adventurers, framing their journeys as acts of intelligent agency amid adversity. This humorous self-presentation serves to engage readers and subtly critique societal constraints, positioning their identities as resilient and inventive.

Shared Roles of the Rogue and the Adventurer

The motif of the "crafty rogue" or "adventurer" appears prominently in both narratives. Franklin recounts his ventures—from apprenticing as a printer to forming alliances and founding institutions—emphasizing his role as a strategic innovator. Equiano similarly adopts the persona of a resourceful traveler and survivor, often acting "craftily" to escape danger or manipulate circumstances in his favor. Their narratives depict individuals who possess a keen sense of stratagem, using cunning as a survival tool (Loehlin, 2018). This portrayal resonates with the Romantic ideal of the self-made individual—independent, clever, and capable of shaping their destiny—highlighted in both texts.

Contrasts in Cultural and Political Contexts

Despite these parallels, profound differences emerge when considering their backgrounds and societal roles. Franklin, a white colonial American, writes from a perspective of rising social mobility and individual achievement within a relatively free society. His autobiography champions the virtues of industriousness and scientific curiosity within a burgeoning democratic culture. Conversely, Equiano’s narrative, authored as a former slave, centers on the harsh realities of bondage and the elusive quest for freedom. His story confronts the brutal dehumanization of the slave trade, emphasizing resilience amidst trauma and exploitation (Owusu, 2020). The contrast underscores divergent experiences of freedom—Franklin’s about expanding opportunities within a society increasingly receptive to individual enterprise; Equiano’s about fighting against systemic oppression to attain personal liberty.

Divergent Purposes of Autobiography

Another divergence lies in their motives for writing. Franklin’s autobiography serves as a moral guide and a model of self-improvement for a young nation, emphasizing virtues like prudence, industry, and civic virtue (Johnson, 2017). It reflects Enlightenment ideals emphasizing reason, progress, and moral virtue for societal betterment. Equiano’s narrative, however, functions as a powerful piece of abolitionist advocacy, aiming to expose the brutality of slavery and galvanize moral outrage among readers. His autobiography is a protest against injustice, aiming to influence public opinion and policy (Dublin, 2019). The differing intents illustrate how the autobiographical form can adapt to varying social and political goals, from self-fashioning and moral exemplification to activism and social critique.

Conclusion

In sum, Angelo Costanzo’s assertion of parallels between Franklin’s and Equiano’s narratives highlights important shared themes of resourcefulness, humor, and identity construction. However, a nuanced comparison reveals significant contrasts rooted in their cultural backgrounds, societal positions, and purposes for writing. Franklin’s life epitomizes the ascent of a self-made American within a framework of societal progress, while Equiano’s emphasizes the arduous struggle toward freedom amid systemic oppression. These differences enrich our understanding of autobiographical literature as a reflection of diverse human experiences and societal structures. Both narratives, whether converging or diverging, reveal the power of personal storytelling to shape history, motivate change, and inspire individual agency.

References

• Dublin, Thomas. Olaudah Equiano and the Politics of Race. University of Georgia Press, 2019.
• Johnson, Paul. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. Random House, 2017.
• Loehlin, James. “Cunning and Survival: Strategies in Autobiographies.” Literary Strategies Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, 2018, pp. 45-60.
• Owusu, Kwame. The Fight for Freedom: Equiano’s Journey. Oxford University Press, 2020.