美国文学 第2周.ppt

Franklin’s Contributions to American Pennsylvania Hospital. He founded an academy which led to the University of Pennsylvania. He was also remembered for volunteer fire departments, effective street lighting, the Franklin stove, bifocal glasses and efficient heating devices. And for his lightning-rod, he was called “the new Prometheus who had stolen fire from heaven.” He was the only American to sign the four documents that created the United States: The Declaration of Independence, The Treaty of Alliance with France, The Treaty of Peace with England, The Constitution Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Famous works * The Autobiography《自传》 * Poor Richard’s Almanac《穷理查德年鉴》 The Autobiography is a record of self-examination and self-improvement. Through telling a success story of self-reliance, the book celebrates, in fact, the fulfillment of the American dream. The Autobiography is in the pattern of Puritan simplicity, directness, and concision. Tone: Optimism The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Poor Richards Almanac 1. Time: almost a quarter of century 2. Content: Literary pieces such as poems and essays, a good many adages, commonsense witticisms 3. Sources: he borrowed them from such famous writers such as Rabelais, Defoe, Swift and Pope and tried to simplify these quotations 4. Examples: Famous sayings such as “Lost time is never found again”, “God help them that help themselves”, etc.. 5. Function: practical, instructive, and amusing Sayings from Poor Richards Almanac A penny saved is a penny earned An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Creditors have better memories than debtors. A word to the wise is sufficient. He that goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing. God helps them who help themselves. Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a Man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Diligence is the Mother of Good Luck. One today is worth two tomorrow. A small le