Abstract It is the purpose of this paper to outline how Ben Franklin had distanced himself from the puritan writers and, while maintaining some of their sensibilities, wrote an autobiography that reads like a manual for life.
Tags: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY / SCIENCE HISTORY (DISCOVERIES, THEORIES), benjamin franklin's autobiography
Abstract This paper explains that when people read autobiographies, it is to learn more about the author's life, his or her experiences or simply what kind of person the author really is; however what most people fail to question is if the autobiography is a true reflection of the author's character or merely an elaborate fabrication that nobody has sufficient evidence to refute. The author points out that the main achievement of Benjamin Franklin's "Autobiography" is self-invention; he portrays himself as just another tax-paying citizen; however, he talks about how he let the government use his name to endorse different financial projects and attempts to establish himself as a sort of authority on virtue. The paper relates that writing an autobiography correctly includes (1) acting the part in real life when in public, (2) writing convincingly and (3) only fabricating things that you know nobody can disprove.
From the Paper "On the other hand, autobiographies are not always automatically taken for truth, so to a degree, public behavior must be in agreement with what was written for it to complete the image created. Benjamin Franklin, generally, did a good job of acting the part in public to help support the image he had created of himself, but there are certain aspects of his life that he did not try as hard to fit into the mold he had made. These aspects included women, chastity, and humility. Franklin's idea of having humility was to be like Jesus and Socrates. Franklin did many things in public and in his writings that counteracted any attempt to convince his audience that he was humble or that he strived to be like Jesus."
An analysis of Jane Addams' "Twenty Years at Hull House," Madeleine's "Madeleine: An Autobiography" and Mabel Dodge Luhan's "Intimate Memories: The Autobiography of Mabel Dodge Luhan".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper will discuss three women's autobiographies and discover how they appealed to society in their unique approaches to gender relations. By discussing the differing lives of Jane Addams' "Twenty Years at Hull House," Madeleine's "Madeleine: An Autobiography," and Mabel Dodge Luhan's "Intimate Memories: The Autobiography of Mabel Dodge Luhan, we can see why these women reinvented themselves and transformed the way that people saw women within their times.
Abstract The writing or even ghostwriting of one's personal experience can simply be an attempt by one person to retell a story or stories of his or her own personal experience. Yet, to a large degree, the work of autobiography serves greater purposes. This paper explains how an autobiography develops the idea of the value of the individual through personal expression, growth, and demonstration of knowledge. In an autobiography, an individual, either writer or reader, may find his or her own place in the universe through both differences and similarities.
From the Paper "Regardless of the questions that may be associated with the actual facts of the story, some would has us believe that there is only limited truth with regards to the development of a first person narrative (Couser), there is nearly always future value associated with the development and study of self description and narrative. Despite the limitations of self-view and even personal memory, autobiography serves as a window into the way others view themselves and the lives they have led, be they obscure or infamous."
Abstract This paper defines the autobiography as one person's decision to chronicle his/her life by writing down the sum of their experiences, which allows readers to gain knowledge about him/her. The writer of this paper focuses on Gertrude Stein's writing in "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" which has since proven to be years ahead of feminist, literary and psychological theory. Stein was one of the first feminist fiction writers to bring the discussion of self-writing and its language to the forefront. The book chronicles the life of Stein and her long-time companion while focusing on the idea of self-definition. The title alone represents the parody Stein was creating by using the language of autobiography against itself. This paper examines Stein's method for breaking down both the societal constraints that foreclose on us and the walls of a genre that women, especially lesbian, expatriate writers, cannot identify with.
From the Paper "Essentially, Stein created the impersonal autobiography, a veiled construct allowing readers to enter, but leave with "only a vague idea of its situation." For instance, her descriptions of Alice and Gertrude travelling through the war zones in Europe are devoid of feeling. As she states, the war signaled the beginning of her studies of "the inside as seen from the outside." Readers learn that these two women were involved in history, but only an outline is given, opening the door for interpretation. Thus, the book chronicles her fascination with being "apart" of something, a movement, a nationality, a history, and yet being "a part" from it at the same time. In some instances, her and Alice play out a heterosexual relationship, in which Gertrude is the male and Alice is the female, or vice versa."
This paper addresses the complex and important issues of stratification and inequity that are presented throughout Malcolm's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X."
Abstract This paper gives a brief but succinct summary of the major events of Malcolm's life, as outlined in his autobiography. It then delves into the reasons underlying the racism and inequality of the United States in Malcolm's time. A brief history of slavery and the African-American experience explains the social conditions for African-Americans in the mid-1900s, in America. The paper also examines the reasons for Malcolm's behavior in the social context of the 1940s to the 1960s in the United States. It describes if Malcolm's conditions and treatment are similar to those experienced by other African-Americans, in the United States, during the same time frame. It provides a thorough sociological analysis of Malcolm's behavior, in terms of the social conditions he was exposed to. Further, it describes Malcolm's behavior in terms of the sociological concepts of both deterrence theory and labelling theory. The paper finally describes the presence of social conditions, in current United States society, that mirror those seen in the 1940s and the 1960s in the United States. It compares these social conditions to the social conditions that were seen in Malcolm's "Autobiography of Malcolm X".
From the Paper "Malcolm X was one on the most controversial leaders in American history. His outspokenness about the plight of the African American people, and his close ties with the black Black Muslim movement made Malcolm X a highly feared black leader. He was known for inflammatory speeches, and his strong belief in the Black Muslim sect. Malcolm X sought out publicity, and was well known for his views on vengeance and retribution for the African American people.
"Malcolm X was born on May 19th, 1925, in Omaha Nebraska. Born Malcolm Little, his father was a Baptist minister, and a strong supporter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, run by Marcus Garvey. This organization encouraged African Americans to run their own businesses, and discouraged dependence on the culture and economy of white America.'"
Abstract Both Frederick Douglass and Benjamin Franklin offer autobiographies that provide insight into the very heart and soul of the men. Frederick Douglass was never more artfully subtle or persuasive than in "Narrative of the Life of an American Slave." The religious slave owners, according to Douglass, attested "that God cursed Ham, and therefore American slavery is right." Franklin's autobiography is undoubtedly his best-known single work and part one, which reads like an eighteenth-century picaresque narrative, is undoubtedly its most interesting part. 6 pgs.
Abstract This paper explains that Benjamin Franklin's autobiography "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" relates his entrepreneurial spirit that turned him into a shrewd businessman, a great inventor and innovator, a community leader and later a very well-known and well-respected politician. The author points out that this book indicates that the business environment was changing and industrialization was gaining hold because, as Franklin reported, while the older generation was skeptical and cautious, the younger generation was full of optimism, courage and believed in possibilities. The paper suggests that an important lesson from Franklin's book is that a person may gain success and still be rude and arrogant, but a man who is remembered for ages is someone who remained humble when he was going up.
From the Paper "The key to success may not be one and the same for everyone but it appears that hard work and believing in one's decision play critical role in shaping the lives and careers of successful people. Benjamin Franklin knew he loved printing and that this was the business to be in. He also had the inclination to start this business in Philadelphia so while some people tried to discourage him, he stuck with his beliefs and worked tirelessly to make himself a success in this business. As we later see that not only he became an immensely successful printer and publisher, he also turned into a competent politician. This wouldn't have been possible if he never believed in himself or if he listened to the negative opinion of other people. "
Abstract This paper explains that Lucy Grealy, in her book "Autobiography of a Face", tells how she spent much of her childhood in and out of hospitals for painful cancer treatments and failed facial reconstructions and how she experienced emotionally searing bullying. The author relates Grealy's story of her several empty sexual affairs, which made her feel important, loved and needed by a man. The paper reports that, while her book ends happily with her rejection of beauty norms and embracing her own uniqueness, her life ended abruptly at the age of 39. The author concludes that, in this autobiography, the themes of ideal female beauty and sexuality are tied together in the life and experiences of Lucy Grealy.
From the Paper "In Shaw and Lee's book "Women's Voices, Feminist Visions", several points are made about the beauty ideal that are directly relevant to Lucy Grealy's life. The authors note that "contemporary images of female beauty are changeable...what is considered beautiful is culturally produced and therefore changes across time and across cultures." While there are changing standards, such as that being thin in some cultures and time periods is considered ugly and a sign of being poor, Lucy Grealy's facial deformity does not fall into one of those changing beauty standards."
Abstract This paper examines the hardship of an entire generation of young men who grew up and experienced the First World War personally. It provides this analysis through Robert Grave's autobiography in which he describes the horrors of the war and the consequences thereof on the youth of that time.
From the Paper "It was the end of history. That's perhaps the best way to describe the viewpoint shared by Robert Graves and members of his generation who had fought and survived the First World War. What Robert Graves spoke about in his autobiography was a disillusionment of what had occurred on the battlefield: a massacre of young men, willing to serve the honor of their country, sent into a slaughter based on poorly laid strategies and tactics ? a slaughter that lasted four years and cost the lives of millions. In fact, the French lost an entire generation of young men in that war. And those soldiers who survived had no idea that such a horror could be inflicted and engaged upon them and upon others. And when the soldiers returned home, they found the world had changed. Many old European empires had fallen. Losing monarchies and countries were divided up and the populace left in m?l?e of confusion and poverty. There was a certain order to the world. There was a great naivety in the world, amongst the people, and were shattered. "
Tags: war, autobiography, literature, first, world, europe
Abstract This paper looks at Frederick Douglass' autobiography which describes his childhood of slavery. It is shown how Douglass confronts the ideas of power, family, knowledge, home, violence, and having a sense of self. The author illustrates how Douglass attempts to warn Americans about the dire effects that slavery is going to have on the whole nation and how his book makes astounding progress in the fight to abolish slavery.
From the Paper "The power a slave owner has over slaves is broad ? Douglass explains how slavery itself narrows opportunities for slaves to have any sense of self. Like many slaves, Douglass did not know his birth date, which strips him of his own identity from a young age. Slave owners purposely withhold this personal information, attempting to keep slaves from feeling human ? they don?t want slaves to have the power of human rights. To the slaveholders, they are just property, like cows, horses and sheep. The slaveholders utilize their power by keeping children away from their parents, too, because any sense of family would have given slaves security, and camaraderie ? both of which could have caused rebellion against the cruelty of slavery. Douglass knew little of his mother, which prevented him from knowing about his history, his ancestry."
Tags:autobiography Douglass, Frederick Abolitionism slave narratives
Abstract This paper discusses the main themes that are covered in the work "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X. By understanding the main ideas behind his view on racism in America, the writer demostrates the different view of a black that fought hard for equal rights, within the period of the civil rights era. Some of the basics precepts of his work are examined, as well as the core ideas that represent his thought in the struggle for equality of the races in the United States.
Abstract Benjamin Franklin was one individual who successfully achieved many of his goals. Not only was he able to enjoy his success while he was alive, but also had the pleasure of knowing that his success story would continue to be an inspiration to many for years to come. Through a closer reading of Franklin's "The Autobiography and Other Writings," this paper shows that there were many factors that contributed to his success, such as his initial upbringing by moral parents, his exposure to education, and the fact that, within the society from which he came, it was normal for young men to be apprenticed in a specific trade. However, the key elements contributing to Franklin's success were his conscious effort to improve himself and his resolution to consistently live a life of virtue.
From the Paper "As a child, Franklin had the good fortune not only to be exposed to moral teaching, but also to have the example of his father, who he portrays throughout his autobiography as an honourable, diligent, and reputable man, whose "great excellence lay in a sound understanding and solid judgement in prudential matters, both in private and public affairs." Franklin's childhood memories entail instances of his father's dinner conversations with various guests, which regularly turned the family's attention to "what was good, just, and prudent in the conduct of life." Instances such as these conversations, as well as the general advice and discipline given by his father, made a lasting impression on Franklin, providing a base upon which to later form his thirteen virtues."
Abstract This paper summarizes Sellers' autobiography about his life as an activist in the Civil Rights movement. The paper explains Sellers' point that his involvement in the movement led him to understand that civil rights were more than about just getting to eat in the same places as white people and really about creating fundamental and profound changes in American society that would bring African-Americans true equality.
From the Paper "Sellers demonstrates that many people in the Black community of Denmark were uncomfortable with his growing activism. His mother received critical remarks about him; the President of black, local, Vorhees College was fired when the students became too active for the taste of the Board of Trustees; and his determination to continue with his activist activities caused a major rift between his father, whom he idolized, and himself. He notes that young Black college students across the South had similar confrontations with their parents as the sit-in movement grew."
Abstract In this report the author centers on the positive aspects of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. He describes how Franklin overcame early challenges, such as poor math and grammar and how he presented the idea that a combination of constitution and through the sheer force of will, any disability or disadvantage can be overcome. The author describes that for Benjamin Franklin there was but one definition of success, that, of course, was his definition. He highlights that perhaps more important than this single-mindedness is the idea that with enough work, enough study and enough sacrifice anybody can reach his ideal of what it is to be a successful American. The author concludes that Benjamin Franklin was the epitome of the neoclassical age of reason and his thoughts were both liberating and prohibitory.
From the Paper "First, a man whose works he read and respected was a vegetarian. Obviously, if so am great a person is a vegetarian, than there must be something about being a vegetarian that was good, and Franklin decided he wanted to be great like Toyon. A simple case of "monkey see_monkey do." The second reason he did it appears to be to save money. This was a good way for the curious, young Franklin to get more money to buy books. Thirdly, it seems like an attempt to improve his constitutions. He clearly implies in the last sentence that sacrificing meat, or anything else, makes for a better person. He believed that giving up meat made him smarter. An added bonus was that the time not spent eating with his family, or going out, gave him more time to study his math and his grammar."
Tags: logi, rights, human, nature, society, virtuous, united, states
