Name: _____________________________________
American Literature and Composition Honors
The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin
1) Explain how Franklin has arranged the virtues.
2) Which virtue gave Franklin the most trouble? Why?
3) Explain the meaning behind Franklin’s speckled ax story. What insight does Franklin
come to about his quest for perfection? (hint: Franklin discusses the speckled ax in the
paragraph beginning “My scheme of Order…”)
4) Why did Franklin write his autobiography?
5) What did Franklin learn about himself as he examined his conduct?
6) Like most autobiographies, Franklin has a dual perspective in which he is both the main
character and the narrator. Skim the autobiography to find two characteristics of
Franklin as a young man and as an older man looking back on his life. Record your
answers in the charts below.
Young Franklin
Character Trait
Quote from Text
1.
2.
Older Franklin
Character Trait
Quote from Text
1.
2.

Match Franklin’s thirteen virtues with their correct definitions:
_____ Temperance
A. Take pride in personal hygiene and appearance.
_____ Silence
B. Be humble.
_____ Order
C. Speak with a purpose.
_____ Resolution
D. Waste nothing.
_____ Frugality
E. Exercise self-control.
_____ Industry
F. Practice good time management and organization.
_____ Sincerity
G. Avoid extremes.
_____ Justice
H. Be fair.
_____ Moderation
I. Do not abuse medicine.
_____ Cleanliness
J. Do not create unwarranted stress.
_____ Tranquility
K. Always try your hardest.
_____ Chastity
L. Remain productive at all times.
_____ Humility
M. Be considerate of others.