Benjamin Franklin is a prime example of the transition from
Puritan influenced writing to the more logical Rationalism writing style. In
his autobiography, his writing style does not involve God or the Bible (which
is the complete opposite of the Puritan style), and he also did not reference
religion in his describing of the people's day to day activities, instead
contributing it to the "spirit of Independence" As Franklin did not share beliefs with the
Puritans, it is very easy to compare differences between the two of them.
Franklin was a Deist. Deism includes philosophies about reason and natural laws
dominating the world. "As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and
wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the one and avoid the other"
(Franklin). William Bradford and Mary Rowlandson on the other hand were
Puritans and believed in similar things as Catholics, but without the
wrongdoings people did in the clergy. Mary Rowlandson knew that the
"elect", or God's saved people, would aid her in her time of need.
Benjamin Franklin took pride in believing that other people will help him out
through the goodness of their hearts and the united feeling of freedom and
independence that the colonists shared with him. William Bradford was a leader
like Franklin, but Bradford led through God. He saw signs of God everywhere in
his day to day life, and applied this to his actions. Franklin led the
colonists through Rationalism, or logical thinking and reasoning abilities. He
made decisions based on facts and research and was a great philosopher.
Franklin was a scientist who invented many things, a writer whose works are
still read today, and a politician who is read about in history class. Franklin
made a big impact on lots of the decisions made in the Revolutionary War
period. Franklin led with his mind, while Bradford led with his heart and soul.
Mary Rowlandson draws strength from her faith, while Franklin draws strength
from the fact that his fellow man will go the extra mile to better himself and
seek out freedom and independence.
The Rationalism writing period differs from the Puritan
writing period as the times in the country have changed very drastically. No
longer is there a struggle to stay alive and prosper during the harsh winters
and fight off the "savage" Indians outside the colonies in America.
In Franklin's time, the colonies' cities were flourishing and Indian attacks
were not a big threat to the people. America had just become an independent
country from the British, and the people were dealing with the changes. The
environment in which Mary Rowlandson grew up and endured as an adult greatly
varied in comparison with Ben Franklin. Rowlandson was captured by Indians and
treated very poorly throughout her adult life. Franklin came from a poor family
of seventeen children, but made himself a better person and took advantage of
every opportunity that came his way. Franklin lived his life with a strong
sense of logic and reason in everything he did. Franklin greatly embodies all
parts of the Rationalism style in this way.
Good things: I really like your points. You had some really good examples of how Franklin's writing represents the rationalization period. You support your examples with facts, and i really liked that.
ReplyDeleteRoom for improvement: I think putting a short intro and quick conclusion would be good, so if someone is reading this and they aren't part of our English class, they will know a bit about your topic and what you're writing about. :)