Benjamin Franklin
Historical Allusion
Benjamin Franklin was mentioned in the novel when Peter Wiggen was trying to convince his sister, Valentine. Peter makes an allusion to Benjamin, as he wants to do something meaningful and important to the world. He says:
- He put a tall metal rod on top of a tall building with a wire going down the side of the building and into the ground.
“This is what historians usually do, quibble about cause and effect when the point is, there are times when the world is in flux and the right voice in the right place can move the world. Thomas Paine and Ben Franklin, for instance. Bismark. Lenin.”
- When lightening hit the rod, it sent the electrical charge down the wire and safely into the ground.
"Benjamin Franklin." History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 20 Mar. 2016. <http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/benjamin-franklin>.
"Benjamin Franklin." Famous Scientists. Web. 20 Mar. 2016. <http://www.famousscientists.org/benjamin-franklin/>.
Wood, Gordon S. "Benjamin Franklin." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 20 Mar. 2016. <http://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Franklin>.
What did he do?
When was he born? When did he die?
- By the age 23, he became the publisher in Philadelphia of the colonial newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette and became wealthy.
Who was he?
- At the age of 27, the first addition of the publication of his printing press: Poor Richard’s Almanac. Around his retirement years, he focused more on public services and pursued his interest in science.
- Born on Sunday, January 17, 1706
- He died on April 17, 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- He was an American printer and publisher, author, inventor and scientist, and diplomat.
- In 1740’s he invented lightening rod, which protected buildings from fires caused by lightning. He also invented the Franklin stove, which allowed people to heat their homes safely while using less wood.
- He helped draft the declaration of independence and he made an important contributions to science, especially in the understanding of electricity.
His Importance
- He is important due to many reasons. First of all, he convinced the French to aid in American Revolution and helped draft both the declaration of independence and American Constitution.
- Second. He found electricity and invented many things such as lightning rod, Franklin stove, and much more. He has made many contributions to the society.
- He made a positive impact because he made things that people were in need of. He invented lighting rod, Franklin stove and much more. He made these things because he wanted people to have acess to things which are hard to find. Overall, he made a positive impact.
where was he born?
- born in Boston, Massachusetts which was then a British colony.
Why did he invent?
He invented the lightning rod because he wanted to make his knowledge of electricity useful. He wanted people to install these rods onto the top of the building to prevent fires.