Speech+in+the+Convention

=“Speech in the Convention”= //By Benjamin Franklin//

===This speech by Benjamin Franklin, known as the first great American, contains some of the literary techniques common to persuasive speeches of 1787. The time period of this speech is the post-revolutionary era in America.=== ===This lassic speech is characteristic of the speeches of the times for a number of reasons. For example, Franklin refers to the Roman Catholic Church(yeah that place) and the Church of England as two opposing entities, and they were at constant ends with one another in the 1780's. Franklin also alludes to the Tower of Babel, from the Old Testament: "that our councils are confounded like those of the Builders of Babel." Referring to Scripture was very common to Puritan writers in those days, being so religiously devout as they were. Finally, the speech of "Speech in the Convention" gives it away as 1700's writing. No other century has displayed any writing as elegant and beautifully constructed as the 18th century.=== ===Franklin puts his brilliant mind to work by eloquently using the technique of restatement to express his belief why the Constitution should be ratified in a number of ways. For example, he first states that the Constitution should be ratified because it is the closest thing to perfect the state delegates will ever create. Later, he reaffirms his position by saying that the Constitution will unite Americans, which will in turn strengthen foreign esteem for the new nation.=== ===Franklin also uses parallelic as a tool for structuring his argument. One example of parallelism in the speech is when he says “Within these walls they were born, and here they shall die”. (192)This literary technique not only makes the text pleasing to the ear, but increases the significance of the statement that the weaknesses of the Constitution shall never be known outside the drawing board. Franklin chooses not to use only repetition or rhetorical questions in his speech, but does wield his diction well. He increases the importance of having the Constitution by using such phrases as “to the public good”, and “for the sake of our posterity”. (192)=== ===Perhaps the greatest persuasive strengths of “Speech in the Convention” are its appeals to its audience’s emotion and reason. Benjamin Franklin’s audience in this speech is George Washington and the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Franklin uses the fear of a disjointed America full of quarreling states to impress upon the delegates the importance of having the firm Constitution. Also, being al extremely learned men, Franklin appeals to the delegates’ reason in swaying them. Franklin points outs that the states need to be unanimous in their ratification of the Constitution, for unanimity is important at home and abroad. Unanimity will help preserve the Union, as well as foster international prestige.=== ===Franlin's purpose in writing this speech is very logical. Although he does not necessary agree with the Constitution, he knows that he must put his opinions aside for the greater good, as must all the delegates. His reason for writing the speech is to persuade the delegates that the Constitution is critical to the survival of the country. He achieves his goal by using these simple devices such as appeal to reason and of course, his own eloquent language.=== Home