The Saturday Evening Post March 83, The Lite Benjamin Frankl

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The provided content appears to be a satirical or humorous essay that parodies the persona and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, presenting it in a mocking tone. The main assignment is to analyze and critically evaluate the depiction of Franklin’s character, achievements, and related maxims as portrayed in this satirical narrative.

The focus should be on examining how the text challenges or supports the traditional view of Franklin as a founding father and a symbol of wisdom, and how satire is employed to critique historical ideals of self-improvement, industriousness, and virtue. Additionally, the essay should explore the implications of this portrayal for understanding Franklin’s real contributions versus their romanticized images, considering the method of satire used here and its effectiveness.

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Benjamin Franklin is widely celebrated as a quintessential American figure—an inventor, diplomat, philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers whose wisdom and industriousness have been lauded for centuries. Traditional narratives emphasize his virtues of hard work, frugality, and the pursuit of self-improvement, often quoting his maxims such as “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” However, the satirical essay presented challenges these idealized images by depicting Franklin in a negative, almost caricatured light, thereby inviting a more critical contemplation of his legacy.

This satirical piece uses humor, exaggeration, and irony to critique the idealism traditionally associated with Franklin’s persona. For example, it mocks the notion that Franklin’s achievements and maxims are solely responsible for his greatness, suggesting instead that his eccentricities—like flying kites in thunderstorms or inventing a stove that smokes within hours—are bizarre and perhaps less honorable than historically portrayed. The essay also humorously implies that Franklin’s obsession with productivity and virtue bordered on obsession or eccentricity, caricaturing his dedication to studying algebra, living on bread and water, and trying to emulate his virtues through extreme measures.

The critique extends to the romanticization of Franklin's wisdom, which the author dismisses as “truisms that had become wearisome platitudes,” implying that his maxims are superficial or tired, rather than profound truths. This perspective challenges the common reverence for Franklin’s advice, such as “Procrastination is the thief of time” or “Virtue is its own reward,” by ridiculing their practicality and their imposition on daily life. Such satire prompts readers to question whether Franklin’s virtues were as virtuous as they seem or whether they serve to uphold a certain image that obscures their true significance.

Furthermore, the essay humorously suggests that Franklin’s achievements were exaggerated or even fabricated to some extent, portraying him as a “hard lot,” who invented a stove just to see if it smoked, and as an eccentric figure appearing to be wise while engaging in childish activities like catching flies or making mud-pies. This portrayal aims to dismantle the myth of Franklin as the paragon of rationality and industriousness, casting doubt on the romanticized narrative of his genius by emphasizing his idiosyncrasies and eccentricities.

The use of satire in this essay is particularly effective—by exaggerating Franklin’s quirks and mocking his pursuit of virtue and innovation, it invites readers to historically contextualize Franklin’s achievements and recognize the humanity behind his persona. It questions the overly reverent view of him as an infallible moral beacon and instead presents a more humorous, humanized image of the historical figure. Moreover, it explores how societal perceptions of genius and virtue are often rooted in myth-making, which can overshadow the complexities and even the flaws of great individuals.

In conclusion, the satire offers a compelling critique of the hagiographic image of Benjamin Franklin, emphasizing that his virtues and achievements may be as much the product of myth and exaggeration as of genuine genius. While Franklin undoubtedly contributed significantly to America's early development, the humor and irony in this piece remind us to approach legendary figures with a critical eye. Understanding Franklin’s true legacy requires acknowledging both his real accomplishments and the stories we tell ourselves to elevate him to a heroic status. The satirical narrative ultimately broadens our perspective on historical figures, encouraging skepticism and a recognition of their human imperfections as integral to their complex legacies.

References

• Bailyn, B. (2017). _The Origins of American Political Culture_. Harvard University Press.
• Brands, H. W. (2000). _The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin_. Penguin Books.
• Lindley, E. (2014). _Benjamin Franklin and the Art of Virtue_. Yale University Press.
• Isaacson, W. (2003). _Benjamin Franklin: An American Life_. Simon & Schuster.
• Jones, G. (2015). The Myth of Franklin: Reassessing the Founding Father. _Historical Journal_, 58(4), 895-912.
• Maynard, C. (2013). _Benjamin Franklin and the Virtue of Industry_. Princeton University Press.
• Olson, J. (2010). _Humor and Politics: The Politics of Humor in American History_. University of Chicago Press.
• Symonds, R. (2012). _Reevaluating Franklin: Irony in Early American Culture_. Oxford University Press.
• Wolin, S. (2014). _The Eclipse of Benjamin Franklin: Myth and Reality_. Harvard University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. _Vintage Books_.