Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Why was the occupation of printer a perfect fit for Franklin? How did it match his skills and personality?

Why does Isaacson depict Franklin as a product of the Enlightenment? Consider his interests, politics, and view of religion. Does that imply that the outlook of the American middle class is consistent with the Enlightenment?

Why was Franklin considered the most prominent scientist of his era? Why then is he not typically included in the pantheon of great scientists?

Compare and contrast Franklin’s treatment of his “surrogate” families with his own family. What does this analysis tell us about Franklin’s character?

How did Franklin use his wit to achieve success in his writing, business dealings, diplomacy, and politics? Why was it effective?

Why does Isaacson label Franklin an expert in public relations? How does that ability to attend to appearances complicate the understanding of his character?

What led Franklin to be among the first to call for American independence? Consider personality, experiences, and outlook.

To what degrees, if any, did Franklin invoke realism and idealism in securing the French alliance and negotiating an end to the Revolutionary War? Did he lean toward one or the other of these approaches?