Franklin as an Archetypal American

Introduction 

Evidence reveals that Franklin was one of the most distinguished Americans in the eighteenth century as he executed his work as an inventor, printer, diplomat, and writer (Franklin 2007). Franklin’s art aids young ones in understanding how he rose from poverty and obscurity to affluence and fame. Along with the struggles, there is the existence of a vibrant colonial world full of bonded labor, religious and political conflicts, material consumption, and scientific innovations with domestic violence and foreign affair. In The Autobiography of Ben Franklin, Louis Masur argues that Franklin has been viewed as an archetypal American due to his resistance to colonialism, his duties as both an executive and political leader, encouragement of morals, and successful life through his publications, and improving people’s living standards. 

Franklin as

an Archetypal American 

First, Franklin was considered archetypal American due to his resistance to colonialism. According to Franklin (2007), in 1723, at the age of 17, Franklin made his way to Philadelphia after escaping from Boston, an act which symbolizes early resistance to a tyranny form of authority. Franklin, in his biography, rejected the theological aspects of a system of beliefs regarded the harshest ever, emphasizing innate and depravity and incorporated social values of puritan and ideology. As posited by Franklin (2007), Franklin ordered the removal of pointed rods from the Kew Palace. The order was a subsequent action after his election to the Pennsylvania Assembly through the support of colonial opposition in 1751. 

Furthermore, encouraging young ones in his publications and the general public image portrait are aspects tailoring Franklin to be considered archetypal American. Still, in his twenties, Franklin began writing and printing Poor Richard’s Almanack (1733–1747), which he followed with Poor Richard Improved (1748–1757. Franklin (2007), analyses that Franklin’s articles also considered voices of marginalized groups such as the unwed mothers, aged women, and plain men with both critics and amuse. Voicing vulnerable citizens signifies the value considered by the patriot in the subject matter. Similarly, Franklin had a positive everlasting image as portrayed in his words “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” (p. 1735) and provoking sayings such as “Never spare the parson’s wine nor the baker’s pudding” (p. 1733), sentiments majorly extracted from numerous articles presented in Poor Richard (Franklin, 2007). The sentiments elaborate that if a nation is inscribed with such citizens who value hard work, then such a nation will harbor prosperous citizens and eliminate struggles of poverty and disease. This belief shows Franklin's goodwill as an American to the American nation. 

In addition, while executing his duties as both an executive and political leader, Franklin exposes his position tactically as an archetypal American. In 1765, he bravely decided to support the stamp act which was to drain Americans through harsh taxes on items like newspapers and documents. However, Franklin was intentionally going slowly in analyzing the extent of opposition in the colonies, and then pressing for the repeal of the act and later joining the rising chorus of voices calling for independence (Franklin, 2007). In 1787, when Franklin served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, he never missed the session, and even though he was accused of dozing during the procession, his few words were full of wisdom and experience (Franklin, 2007). Similarly, he decided to contest and worn in 1751 to the Pennsylvania Assembly. Franklin’s support of colonial opposition led to the sacking of the appointed rods from Kew Palace. His thoughts were considered of relevancy in the Continental Congress on the “Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union,’ which was vital in the declaration of independence (Franklin, 2007). 

Lastly, Franklin’s archetypal American position is evident in his struggle for improving the living standards of the Americans. Besides fighting for improved essential goods and services in the business world, Franklin actively participated in making life better using other economic parameters. Franklin advocated for the consumer revolution in the eighteenth century, which improved the living standards of Americans significantly. He provided the creation of imported goods and an improvement in disposable income (Franklin, 2007). In his 70’s, Franklin accepted the appointment of a commissioner to France where he facilitated the signing of peace treaties with Great Britain (Franklin, 2007). He rendered these services despite the old age ailments, proving his innate passion to improve the lives of Americans. 

Conclusion 

Franklin was an archetypal American, as viewed from his efforts to resist colonialism, his political leadership intelligence, his astute publications that provoked morality, and his quest to improve lives. Despite the lack of proper and modern education, infrastructures, and technological advancements in the seventeenth and eighteenth Centuries, there existed great minds to be admired. Among them was the long time philosopher Franklin. Franklin owned several titles including a printer, writer, diplomat, and inventor. Franklin was encountered with several forces including colonialism, political and social struggles, and economic hardships. Despite the struggles, Franklin remained archetypal American. The archetypal position of Franklin is evident in resistance to colonialism his duties as both an executive and political leader, encouragement of morals and a successful life via his publications and improving people's living standards. His personality is essential in modern times when America still struggles through economic disparities and insecurities. By his show of true American traits, the modern generation may feel challenged and encouraged to work hard and display moral characters that will boost America’s struggles to economic freedom and security. 

References 

Franklin, B. (2007).  The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: 1706-1757  (Vol. 1). Regnery Publishing.