Uncovering Franklin's use of Irony: Analysis of Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America

Franklin's Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America is known for its ironic tone and execution. Throughout the excerpt, Franklin employs irony to highlight the hypocrisy and ignorance displayed by white colonizers towards the Native Americans they encountered.

One of the ways Franklin uses irony in this piece is through his portrayal of the Native Americans as more civilized than the European colonizers. He writes, Perhaps, if we could examine the manners of different nations, with impartiality, we should find no people so rude as to be without any rules of politeness, or none so polite as not to have some remains of rudeness. This statement is ironic because it suggests that Europeans are actually less civilized than they perceive themselves to be.

Another example of Franklin's use of irony can be seen in his description of the Native Americans' approach to warfare. He writes, They are equally strangers to treachery and to false hood...And with them, in general, the art of war is to bring the enemy into the field of battle, and having fairly matched them, to leave the issue to God's providence. Here, Franklin uses irony to point out that the Native Americans have a more honorable and straightforward approach to war than the Europeans, who often employed deceitful tactics.

Furthermore, the tone of Franklin's writing is both playful and mocking. He jabs at European colonizers by referring to their actions as civilizing the natives, when in reality, they were simply imposing their own beliefs and values onto another culture. His playful tone is evidenced by statements such as, I have heard it affirmed by some, who have been concerned in Indian trade, that a polite attention and regard to order, prevails through all their transactions; and that a breach of manners among them, is as rare and extraordinary, as a manifest intention to cheat is among the merchants of London or Paris.

In conclusion, Franklin's use of irony in Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America serves to expose the hypocrisy and ignorance prevalent within European colonizers. By portraying Native Americans as more civilized and honorable than their European counterparts, he challenges the dominant narrative of colonization and sheds light on the injustices committed by those in power. Through his playful and mocking tone, he invites readers to question their own assumptions and biases, and consider the perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized and silenced.

"How Does Franklin Use Irony In This Excerpt From Remarks Concerning The Savages Of North America?" ~ bbaz

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin was an intellectual who extensively wrote on various subjects. His works showed a deep understanding of human nature and the world around him. One of Franklin's famous essays is Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America, in which he used irony to satirize the Europeans' attitude towards Native Americans.

The Use of Irony in Franklin's Writing

The use of irony is a device that authors use to highlight their intentions. Franklin used irony in his writing to challenge European superiority and colonialism. In this essay, he juxtaposed the supposed savage ways of the Native Americans with the so-called civilized ways of the Europeans.

The Insult of European Culture on Native American Culture

Franklin began his essay by criticizing European culture's dismissive attitude towards Native American culture. He wrote, When an Indian child has been brought up among us, taught our language and habituated to our customs, yet it still remains an Indian. Here, Franklin highlights how Europeans viewed Native American culture as inferior and unworthy of respect.

The Use of Satire in the Essay

Franklin also used satire to criticize the assumptions made by Europeans about Native Americans. He pointed out that Europeans were quick to label the Indians as savages but failed to recognize their own barbarity. Franklin wrote, The colonists have lost sight of the original reason for their coming here, and in pursuit of imaginary riches, have left their morality behind.

The Role of Colonialism

Franklin's essay also addressed the issue of colonialism and its impact on Native Americans. He criticized the European's desire to conquer and dominate others, ignoring the fact that Native Americans had a rich cultural heritage. He wrote, By wars continually repeated, by unremitting labour and hazardous enterprise, they softened their bodies, and sharpened their wits.

The Lack of Understanding of Culture

Another theme in Franklin's essay was the Europeans' lack of understanding of Native American culture. He suggested that Europeans failed to understand the connection between Native Americans and the land they lived on. Franklin stated that the Native Americans considered themselves as one family, descended from the same common ancestors, and formed a great nation.

The Contrast Between European and Native American Cultures

Franklin juxtaposed European and Native American cultures throughout his essay. He pointed out that while Europeans valued material possessions, Native Americans valued community and kinship. He wrote, Acquisitiveness is one of the strongest passions among mankind and it is accordingly an insatiable passion in the savage.

The Lack of Appreciation for Diversity

Franklin argued that Europeans failed to appreciate the diversity of the Native American tribes. He wrote, Each tribe has its own dialect, and although they may comprehend each other, they are often unintelligible to strangers. Here, Franklin highlighted the richness and uniqueness of Indigenous cultures that Europeans often ignored.

The Need for Mutual Understanding

Franklin concluded his essay by calling for mutual understanding between cultures. He believed that both Europeans and Native Americans had something to learn from each other. He emphasized the importance of respecting each other's beliefs and values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's essay on Native Americans demonstrated the power of irony and satire to challenge assumptions and expose hypocrisy. He used his writing to critique European colonialism and to promote mutual respect and understanding between cultures. Franklin's essay remains relevant today, reminding us that cultural diversity should be celebrated and appreciated.

Comparison: Franklin’s Use of Irony in Remarks Concerning The Savages of North America

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of America, wrote “Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America” in 1784. This article discusses how Europeans view Native Americans during colonial times and uses irony to highlight their hypocrisy. In this comparison blog article, we will analyze the use of irony in Franklin’s writing and compare it to contemporary views of Indigenous people.

The Use of Irony

Franklin uses irony to subtly criticize the Europeans’ treatment of Native Americans. He begins his piece by stating how Native Americans view Europeans as uncivilized because they wear unnecessary clothing and have complex trade systems. Franklin then highlights Europeans’ hypocrisy by pointing out how they judge Native Americans for not conforming to European customs.

He says, “Perhaps, if we could examine the manners of different nations with impartiality, we should find no people so rude as to be without any rules of politeness; nor any so polite as not to have some remains of rudeness.” Essentially, Franklin is arguing that both cultures have their own ways of doing things, and neither is better than the other.

The Comparison

Today, there is a growing awareness of the injustices Native Americans have suffered at the hands of European settlers. While Franklin uses irony to draw attention to these injustices, many contemporary writers take a more explicit approach. Novelist Tommy Orange, in his debut book “There There,” directly addresses the mistreatment of Native Americans by white colonizers.

Orange writes, “We’re all Indian now. What once was savage is now civilized, and what once was civilized is savage. It’s been less than fifty years since Indians were designated the official mascot of the United States.” Here, he acknowledges that what was once seen as savage is now considered civilized by Europeans, and vice versa.

The Hypocrisy of the Europeans

Franklin uses irony to criticize the Europeans’ hypocrisy in their treatment of Native Americans. He points out how Europeans complain about the “uncivilized” behavior of Native Americans while they themselves engage in violent and barbaric practices. Franklin highlights this hypocrisy when he writes, “To say that a bad action renders a bad man is a truth; but 'tis a truth, we should all be very cautious of applying to ourselves in justification of uncharitableness towards others.”

It seems that Franklin is saying that just because someone does something bad, it doesn’t mean they are inherently bad or evil. He is cautioning Europeans against judging Native Americans for their actions while ignoring their own wrongdoing.

The Search for Authenticity

In contemporary literature, there is a trend of seeking authenticity when discussing Indigenous culture. This can be seen in books like “The Round House” by Louise Erdrich, which tells the story of a Native American boy searching for justice on a reservation in North Dakota.

Erdrich’s book is grounded in the authenticity and realism of Native American life, which adds credibility to her portrayal of the experiences of Native Americans. This search for authenticity is another way writers address the injustices suffered by Native Americans and try to represent their culture accurately.

The Power of Irony

Irony is an effective tool for writers to criticize social norms and expose hypocrisy. Franklin’s use of irony in “Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America” still resonates today, as we continue to struggle with issues of race and cultural representation. Irony can make readers think and question their assumptions, which is crucial in creating a more just society.

When writers use irony, it can often have a transformative effect, allowing readers to view things from a new perspective. Franklin’s use of irony was instrumental in highlighting the way European settlers viewed Native Americans and exposing their hypocrisy.

The Significance of Language

In contemporary literature, language plays a significant role. Many Native American writers use their native language in their work as a form of resistance against colonization. This can be seen in books like “Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko, which incorporates traditional Laguna Pueblo language and ceremony into the narrative.

By incorporating their language into their writing, Native American writers are resisting the erasure of their culture and creating literature that is truly authentic to their experiences. This emphasis on language in literature is another example of the importance of cultural representation and preserving indigenous cultures in modern times.

Conclusion

Franklin’s use of irony in “Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America” was a pioneering moment in American literature. His subtle criticism of European views towards Native Americans highlights the hypocrisy of colonial-era thinking. Contemporary literature has built upon this legacy by explicitly addressing injustices suffered by Native Americans while striving to create authentic representations of their culture. Irony and authenticity continue to play important roles in discussions about race and cultural representation in contemporary literature.

How Does Franklin Use Irony In This Excerpt From Remarks Concerning The Savages Of North America?

In his essay, Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America, Benjamin Franklin uses irony as a powerful tool to reveal his criticism of European civilization. Franklin's essay discusses how Europeans viewed the Native Americans and how they judged them based on their own beliefs and traditions. Although his main objective of the essay was to criticize the Europeans' judgement of the Natives, he used irony subtly to bring attention to the issues.

The Irony Used In The First Paragraph

The beginning of the essay is where Franklin introduces his ironic use of language. He reports how in Europe, some people see the Natives as “savage because they do not fit into their traditional values and beliefs. However, Franklin points out that the Europeans themselves had been savage in the past. He underlines the fact that every society has its own way of living and that it would be unfair to judge the Natives based on European values.

This use of irony aims to highlight the Europeans' hypocrisy in judging the Native Americans while ignoring their own history as a society that grew from being ‘savage'. It creates a sense of guilt and embarrassment among the Europeans while indirectly questioning their morality.

The Irony Used In The Second Paragraph

In the second paragraph, Franklin uses irony to criticize the misconception around the life of Natives. He notes that Europeans considered the Natives to be ignorant because they did not understand things such as formal education. Yet Natives have their own way of acquiring knowledge through experience, traditions, and observation of the natural world. They don’t keep their knowledge in books or scrolls, but rather pass it down through storytelling. While there’s nothing wrong with learning from books or scrolls, Franklin’s point emphasizes the value of practical knowledge, and that formal education isn’t the only way to obtain it.

This is a clever use of irony because, in modern times, western society acknowledges the importance of experiential learning, which is similar to the knowledge acquisition methods of Natives. Therefore, Franklin's criticism of the European way of thinking at the time has a significant relevance even today.

The Irony Used In The Third Paragraph

Another instance of irony in the essay is when Franklin discusses the brutal acts committed by Europeans towards Natives. He highlights the fact that the Natives had been the first ones to welcome the Europeans yet were subjected to cruelty and brutality. He criticizes the Europeans for taking advantage of Natives' hospitality, murdering them, and taking their property. But, at the same time, he adds sarcastically that it is expected of the Europeans since they came from a civilized” society.

This statement is ironic because it suggests that the idea of civilization is associated with treating others with humanity and compassion, which is the opposite of what was done to the Natives. Thus, Franklin’s use of irony points to their inhuman behavior, rather than enlightening others, their lack contributed to their downfall.

The Irony Used In The Fourth Paragraph

In the fourth paragraph, Franklin shows how the Europeans’ view of progress is skewed. He portrays the Natives as content with what they have and happy with what their surroundings have to offer. They may not have imported goods and advanced technology, but they have what they need to lead a fulfilling life. Ironically, even though the Europeans enjoy countless amenities, they're never satisfied and always want more, their infatuation with materialistic possessions blinds them from true happiness.

This irony exposes the falsity behind the European idea of ‘progress’ and highlights that material possessions don’t equate to happiness, but rather it's the contentment with what we have that does.

The Irony Used In The Fifth Paragraph

The final paragraph of Franklin’s essay is where he concludes his ideas of how Europe’s view of Natives is flawed. He illuminates the Europeans' obsession with conformity, while the Natives are more inclined towards individualism and personal freedom. The Natives do not have a fixed set of rules; they’re rules are based on nature and their observation, they see their way as an extension of the earth they occupy. He finishes by insinuating that maybe the Natives can teach the Europeans something about true “civilization”.

This ironic statement highlights the arrogance of the Europeans and their assumption that just because Natives’ lifestyles were different, it was inferior. By turning this notion around, Franklin encourages people to evaluate civilization in a broader context, suggesting that living harmoniously with our surroundings is just as valid a measure of civilization as the bureaucracy of western societies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin masterfully employs irony in Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America to expose the Europeans' erroneous view of Natives and comparing them to their own idea of civilization. His use of irony serves as a tool to bring attention to these issues subtly. By highlighting the inconsistencies and contradictions, Franklin invokes questioning of beliefs and by examining our past behavior as humans, we can learn much about ourselves and our current society.

How Does Franklin Use Irony In This Excerpt From Remarks Concerning The Savages Of North America?

Welcome to another exciting blog post! Today we will be analyzing the famous work Remarks Concerning The Savages of North America by Benjamin Franklin. This piece is not only a beautiful literary work, but it also offers valuable insights into American history. One thing that stands out about this work is its use of irony. Franklin uses different types of irony to highlight and comment on the various perspectives of the Native Americans and the European settlers in the New World.

The first type of irony is dramatic irony. Franklin employs this technique to highlight the European settlers' hypocrisy in their dealings with the Native Americans. For example, in one instance, he writes, When an Indian child has been brought up among us, taught our language and habituated to our customs, yet if he goes to see his relations and make one Indian ramble with them, there is no persuading him ever to return. Here, we see how the Europeans impose their way of life on the Native Americans, yet they condemn the Indians for doing the same.

Situational irony is another type used by Franklin to express his views on the Native Americans and the European settlers. An excellent example of this is when he mentions that the Indians are more hospitable than the Europeans. Franklin writes, There is no hospitality for those who have not previous acquaintance ...of course, no public houses, no such thing as a 'welcome to town.' Here, he underscores the irony that the Europeans are not as friendly and welcoming as they claim to be while the Native Americans are.

Franklin also utilizes verbal irony to criticize the attitude of the European settlers towards the Native Americans. He expresses this through the character of the colonists who proclaim themselves as Christians but still participate in immoral activities. He explains, The early accounts we have of them…represent them as full of religious sentiments, kind and hospitable to strangers, temperate and innocent in life and conversation. This statement is ironic because it is the same Europeans who have been responsible for stealing land from the Native Americans and causing them untold suffering.

Furthermore, Franklin also adds comic relief to his work through the use of irony. He uses humor to emphasize the absurdity of some of the Europeans' beliefs about the Native Americans. In one instance, he writes, Their manner of entering one another's villages has likewise its beauty; it is at once easy, free, and ingenuous; it is by this way the discreet man can tell by the looks of the women, whether he is welcome or not. The humor here lies in how the Europeans are quick to judge the Native Americans based on their customs without taking into account the cultural differences.

As we come to a close, it is evident that Franklin is a master of irony. Through his writing, he eloquently sheds light on the injustices and inconsistencies in the treatment of the Native Americans by the European settlers. His work serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant against hypocrisy and to embrace diversity in all its forms. Thank you for reading this post, and we hope you found it insightful and engaging!

How Does Franklin Use Irony In This Excerpt From Remarks Concerning The Savages Of North America?

What is the context of Franklin's remarks about the savages of North America?

Benjamin Franklin's Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America was a satirical essay published in the Pennsylvania Gazette on October 18, 1751. The essay was written in response to Europeans who considered Native Americans as uncivilized and savages.

How does Franklin use irony in his remarks about Native Americans?

Franklin uses irony to criticize Europeans for their hypocritical attitudes towards Native Americans. In his essay, Franklin writes about the savages who are generally brave...not afraid of death and how they are possessed of some qualities we have not. By praising the qualities of Native Americans while simultaneously calling them savages, Franklin exposes the hypocrisy of European attitudes towards them.

What examples of irony are present in Franklin's essay?

There are several examples of irony present in Franklin's Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America:

1. Franklin refers to the Native Americans as savages, but praises their bravery, honesty, and sense of community.
2. He uses the example of the Iroquois Confederacy to argue that the Native Americans had a more democratic system of government than the Europeans.
3. Franklin mocks Europeans for their obsession with luxury and excess while Native Americans lived simple, sustainable lives.
4. He suggests that Europeans could learn from the Native Americans' way of life, even though they were considered inferior.

What is the overall message of Franklin's essay?

Franklin's essay is a commentary on the prejudices and ignorance of Europeans towards Native Americans. By highlighting the positive qualities of Native American culture, Franklin challenges the notion that they were uncivilized and inferior to Europeans. His use of irony exposes the hypocrisy of European attitudes towards Native Americans, and suggests that Europeans could learn from them instead of treating them as savages.