When considering Franklin’s Autobiography, keep in mind that he is writing for posterity as well as his contemporaries. How does he wish to be seen?  

Answer the following questions:

1. When considering Franklin’s Autobiography, keep in mind that he is writing for posterity as well as his contemporaries. How does he wish to be seen?

2.  Why do you think it was important for Franklin to create an American success story?

3.  How has his archetype of the self-made man become a part of American popular culture?  Use specific examples from today’s culture to support your answer.

4.  What advice does Franklin offer the individual about procuring and securing wealth?

5.  What does this advice add to his portrait that he was trying to create in his Autobiography?

6. Does he seem admirably frugal and practical or penny pinching and obsessively tight?  Choose two quotes to support your opinion.

Discussion Question:

Choose two proverbs from Poor Richard’s Almanack that are still relevant in today’s society. (An example of a proverb would be “lost time is never found again.” Provide reasons why it is still relevant.  I always like my students to make connections with these classic works to what we encounter everyday.  It gives you a better connection with the story.  Your response should be at least six – eight sentences in length and contain at least two direct quotes from Poor Richard’s Almanack.