Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Franklin Constitutional Convention

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The Reluctant Revolutionary

As human beings, we are naturally born into the perception of attaining wisdom as we age. As a social notion, the elderly are thought of as more sagacious and meticulous when having to make a choice; but I vigorously believe this was not the case with Benjamin Franklin. As claimed by his biographer, Franklin was around the age of 81 when he played what is arguably the most significant role at the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787. This was where he delivered his notorious 'Speech in the Convention' in appeal to persuade the present delegates to finally ratify the Constitution. Nonetheless, Franklin explicitly manifested his dissension, which evinces a somewhat reluctant attitude on his behalf. I am inclined to believe that his nolition was elicited from his enervation, and that he derelictly endorsed the Constitution to just get the whole matter over with.

In the opening line1 of his speech, Franklin blatantly acknowledges that he does not wholly agree to the Constitution. During the Constitutional Convention, Franklin allegedly pushed for a unicameral legislature and an executive council with no veto power, but this proposal was scarcely taken into consideration and further on declined.
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Afterwards, Franklin voices his opinion in a positively manner as an atonement for unveiling his discontent. He elucidates how strenuous it is to come to a consensus within a group of men, since they act on behalf of their own interests and ‘selfish views’. This way, according to Franklin, it is substantially impossible to reach the thorough fabrication of the ideal Constitution. His cynicism is significantly perceptible in this part of the