Need a model for character education? Benjamin Franklin presents himself as in a constant state of striving to become the man he hoped to be, making his autobiography is far more accessible to learners than those of people who consider themselves more successful. Young historians apply the major themes of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin to an analytical essay that serves as an introduction to the book.

Concepts

autobiographical writing, character analysis, character traits, primary source analysis, american history, colonial america

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Extend the activity by inviting pupils to nominate other figures who they believe contributed to American character and culture and explain their nominee’s contribution
  
• Use the lesson in connection with teaching about autobiographies, the development of American culture and character, or Franklin

Classroom Considerations

• Activity is better for advanced readers; use selections, such as the section on Franklin’s attempt to master the virtues, for classes whose readers are less accomplished, and scale the writing assignment to match 

Pros

• Provides an opportunity for students to see the lasting influence of a Founding Father beyond the country’s early history and foundational documents
• Activity offers an opportunity for in-depth non-fiction literary analysis
• Resource supports Franklin’s self-description with a detailed timeline

Cons

• Many of the links to resources, including the link to Franklin’s autobiography, do not work, but the material can be found elsewhere

Common Core

RI.9-10.1 RI.11-12.1 W.9-10.2.a W.11-12.2.a