Ben Franklin and Jonathan Edwards Essay Example

efforts or circumstances. Edwards' angry tone is evident in his declaration that they mistakenly attribute their salvation to their bodily constitution and self-preservation efforts. This shocking and angry approach is effective in compelling individuals to do something they would otherwise refuse to do.

Benjamin Franklin, in contrast, shares his personal experiences as a grandfather recounting his life to his grandson. Although his voice may inspire some, it mostly tends to lull them to sleep, unlike Edwards. Franklin reveals, "My inclinations for the sea were by this time worn out, or I might now have gratified them." This illustrates how Franklin narrates his travels in a storytelling tone. Both authors convey tone through imagery, employing various forms of imagery to impart life lessons to their audience.

Edwards explains that G-d "abhors" and is "dreadfully provoked" towards individuals. His anger towards them burns like fire, as He sees them deserving nothing but to be thrown into the fire. However, it is solely His intervention that prevents them from falling into the fire every moment. Through vivid imagery, Edwards instructs churchgoers on the potential of easily ending up in hell. The analogy of G-d holding a person, akin to holding an insect, resonates powerfully and elicits deep contemplation.

Franklin's autobiography also includes some strong images, although they are not as vivid as Edwards'. Franklin, for instance, mentions a damaging squall that tore apart their worn-out sails and prevented their progress in the bay. These words from our founding father aim to depict the fear he felt during his difficult trip to New York, but they lack emotional intensity. Infusing emotion into the imagery would enhance its portrayal. Utilizing imagery is an

effective means of conveying viewpoint. Each writer employs a distinct point of view to impart a lesson to the reader.

Edwards and Franklin have contrasting styles of speech. Edwards addresses the audience directly, using the second person and pointing out their wickedness, saying "Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead." His intention is to emphasize that it is the churchgoers who need to address their problems, not him. On the other hand, Franklin adopts a first-person perspective, sharing the lessons he has learned in his own life. He recounts a situation where he asserted his freedom, assuming that the other person would not produce new indentures. Franklin does not aim to instruct readers; he simply reflects on his own actions in that particular circumstance.

After closely comparing Jonathan Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry G-d" and Benjamin Franklin's "Autobiography," it becomes clear to the reader that the use of fear and anger as teaching tools is more impactful than relying on love and positive role models. This conclusion is drawn from an analysis of each author's tone, imagery, and perspective. Edwards took a unique approach to teaching that may have been unconventional but proved to be highly effective. Therefore, it can be argued that Edwards' writing style is superior in imparting knowledge to the uninterested minds of contemporary society.