'Benjamin Franklin' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Franklin fathered bastards fourteen,
(So I read in the New Yorker);
If it's true, in terms of courtin'
Benny must have been a corker.
To be prudent I've aspired,
And my passions I have mastered;
So that I have never sired
A single bastard.
One of course can never know;
But I think that if I had
It would give me quite a glow
When a kiddie called me 'Dad.'
Watching toddlers at their play,
Parentage I'd gladly claim,
But their mothers smiling say:
'You're not to blame.'
Ben founded the Satevepost,
And for that I much respect him;
But fourteen is quite a host
Paternally to elect him.
'Fatherhood is not a crime,'
Deemed fat Ben, 'there could be others . . .
Darlings, I had not the time
To wed your mothers.'
Editor 1 Interpretation
Benjamin Franklin by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, what a poem! Benjamin Franklin by Robert Service is a literary masterpiece that captivates the reader with its vivid imagery and captivating storytelling. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem, examining its themes, structure, and literary devices, while exploring the historical context and the cultural significance of Benjamin Franklin.
Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem, it's important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Robert Service wrote Benjamin Franklin in 1924, a time when the world was recovering from the devastation of World War I. This was also a time of great social and political upheaval, with the rise of fascism and communism threatening the stability of the western world. Against this backdrop of uncertainty and turmoil, Service wrote a poem that praised the ideals of the American Revolution and celebrated the life and legacy of one of its founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin.
Themes
The poem Benjamin Franklin explores several themes that are relevant even today. One of the primary themes is the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Franklin is portrayed as a man who is constantly seeking to learn and grow, whether it's through reading books, conducting experiments, or engaging in philosophical debates. This theme is embodied in the famous saying, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest," which is attributed to Franklin.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the pursuit of freedom and independence. Franklin is depicted as a man who fought for the rights of his fellow citizens, both in America and in England. He was a staunch advocate of free speech, democracy, and human rights, and he dedicated his life to the cause of freedom. This theme is particularly relevant today, as we continue to grapple with issues of civil liberties, social justice, and political reform.
Finally, the poem highlights the importance of hard work, perseverance, and determination. Franklin is presented as a man who overcame numerous obstacles and setbacks on his path to success. He was a self-made man who started from humble beginnings, and through his hard work and dedication, he rose to become one of the most respected and influential figures of his time. This theme is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced and competitive world, where success often depends on one's ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
Structure
The poem Benjamin Franklin is structured as a series of vignettes, each of which captures a specific moment in Franklin's life. The poem begins with Franklin's humble origins as a printer's apprentice in Boston, and it follows his journey as he becomes a successful businessman, politician, and diplomat. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which focuses on a different stage of Franklin's life.
The first stanza introduces us to the young Franklin, who is portrayed as a curious and ambitious boy. He is depicted as someone who is always eager to learn and explore, and who is not afraid to take risks in pursuit of his goals. The second stanza focuses on Franklin's career as a printer, and it highlights his ingenuity and resourcefulness. We see him inventing new techniques for printing, and we also see him using his platform as a journalist to advocate for political and social reform.
The third stanza is perhaps the most famous section of the poem, as it describes Franklin's role in the American Revolution. Here we see Franklin as a statesman and diplomat, working tirelessly to secure independence for the American colonies. The stanza ends with the famous line, "He snatched the lightning from the sky and the scepter from a tyrant's hand," which highlights Franklin's contributions to both science and politics.
Finally, the fourth stanza focuses on Franklin's legacy, and it portrays him as a man who was revered and respected even in his old age. The stanza ends with the lines, "The sage of Liberty Square, Who lent the lightning to the earth and showed the world the way," which highlights Franklin's enduring legacy as a champion of freedom and enlightenment.
Literary Devices
Robert Service employs a range of literary devices in his poem, including imagery, metaphor, and alliteration. One of the most striking examples of imagery is in the second stanza, where Service describes Franklin's printing press as a "snarling beast." This vivid image captures the noise and chaos of the printing process, while also highlighting the ingenuity and skill required to operate such a machine.
Service also uses metaphor to convey the themes of the poem. For example, in the first stanza, he describes Franklin as a "spark" that ignites the flame of knowledge. This metaphor highlights Franklin's role as a catalyst for enlightenment, and it also suggests that his ideas and innovations had a transformative effect on society.
Alliteration is another device that Service employs to great effect in his poem. For example, in the second stanza, he writes, "He printed his way to affluence," which uses the repetition of the "p" sound to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. This device is also used in the third stanza, where Service writes, "He stood like a rock in the tempest's path," which uses the repetition of the "s" sound to create a sense of strength and resilience.
Interpretation
At its core, the poem Benjamin Franklin is a celebration of the American Dream. It portrays Franklin as a self-made man who embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination, and who achieved great success through his dedication to knowledge and freedom. However, the poem also has a deeper meaning that extends beyond Franklin's individual story.
In many ways, Franklin represents the ideals of the American Revolution, which sought to create a society that was based on liberty, equality, and justice. Through his life and work, Franklin exemplified these values, and he helped to lay the foundation for a new nation that was built on the principles of democracy and human rights. Today, as we continue to grapple with issues of inequality, social injustice, and political polarization, the poem Benjamin Franklin serves as a reminder of the importance of these ideals and the need to continue striving towards them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the poem Benjamin Franklin by Robert Service is a literary masterpiece that celebrates the life and legacy of one of America's founding fathers. Through its vivid imagery, powerful metaphor, and skillful use of literary devices, the poem conveys themes of knowledge, freedom, and perseverance that are still relevant today. Ultimately, the poem reminds us of the enduring power of the American Dream, and the importance of working towards a society that is based on the principles of liberty, equality, and justice.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Benjamin Franklin is a classic poem written by Robert Service that captures the essence of one of America's founding fathers. The poem is a tribute to the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, who was a polymath, statesman, scientist, and writer. Service's poem is a masterpiece that captures the spirit of Franklin's life and his contributions to American society.
The poem begins with the line, "Benjamin Franklin, the sage of America." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of Franklin's wisdom and intellect. The poem goes on to describe Franklin's life, from his humble beginnings as a printer's apprentice to his rise as a statesman and diplomat.
Service's poem is a tribute to Franklin's many accomplishments, including his invention of the lightning rod, his work as a diplomat in France, and his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. The poem also highlights Franklin's love of learning and his commitment to self-improvement.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Service uses vivid imagery to bring Franklin's life to life. For example, he describes Franklin as "a man of many parts," with "a mind that ranged like a searchlight." This imagery captures the breadth of Franklin's intellect and his ability to excel in many different fields.
Service also uses imagery to describe Franklin's impact on American society. He describes Franklin as a "torchbearer," whose ideas and innovations lit the way for future generations. This imagery captures the enduring legacy of Franklin's contributions to American society.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of language. Service's language is simple and direct, yet it is also powerful and evocative. He uses words like "sage," "genius," and "visionary" to describe Franklin, emphasizing his intellect and his impact on American society.
Overall, Benjamin Franklin is a classic poem that celebrates the life and legacy of one of America's founding fathers. Service's use of imagery and language captures the spirit of Franklin's life and his contributions to American society. The poem is a testament to Franklin's wisdom, intellect, and enduring legacy, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
Editor Recommended Sites
Labaled Machine Learning Data: Pre-labeled machine learning data resources for Machine Learning engineers and generative modelsNew Today App: Top tech news from around the internet
Kanban Project App: Online kanban project management App
Realtime Data: Realtime data for streaming and processing
Local Meet-up Group App: Meetup alternative, local meetup groups in DFW
Recommended Similar Analysis
Democracy by Langston Hughes analysisOde To The Artichoke by Pablo Neruda analysis
Love And A Question by Robert Frost analysis
Hymn To Adversity by Thomas Gray analysis
In The Virgins by Derek Walcott analysis
Sonnet 60: Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore by William Shakespeare analysis
Lord Ullin's Daughter by Thomas Campbell analysis
Standing by my bed by Sappho analysis
In the Morning by Paul Laurence Dunbar analysis
The Geranium by Theodore Roethke analysis