Poor Richard’s Rattlesnake
BACKGROUND
Ben Franklin was a man of many talents. He was an inventor, scientist, diplomat, printer, writer…and occasionally even a cartoonist! According to some historians, his famous rattlesnake cartoon, which was first used in 1754 to convince colonists to band together against attacking Native Americans, was the first political cartoon ever published on American soil. Later the cartoon was used in the patriot cause as well.
MATERIALS
From the Pen of Ben Franklin reproducible
WHAT TO DO
Read the cartoon. Ben Franklin used rattlesnakes to represent the thirteen colonies. Below are statements that might help explain why they were used and comparisons that were given at the time:
• Rattlesnakes are indigenous to no other part of the world.
• They don’t have eyelids—so, like Americans, they are vigilant.
• Rattlesnakes never begin an attack, nor surrender—so they must be noble, forgiving, and brave.
• Rattlesnakes never do harm without warning—so they are generous.
• When they are undisturbed and in peace, rattlesnakes hide their weapons.
• Rattlesnakes are stronger than they look.
• Rattlesnakes prefer to stay alone, and only turn to others when they need to for survival.
• Rattlesnakes are beautiful in youth, and their beauty increases with age.
Now that you understand these comparisons made between rattlesnakes and Americans.
What suggestions do you have about other creatures that could represent the United States, either today or during the Revolution? Be sure you can support your suggestions with a similar rationale.
BACKGROUND
Ben Franklin was a man of many talents. He was an inventor, scientist, diplomat, printer, writer…and occasionally even a cartoonist! According to some historians, his famous rattlesnake cartoon, which was first used in 1754 to convince colonists to band together against attacking Native Americans, was the first political cartoon ever published on American soil. Later the cartoon was used in the patriot cause as well.
MATERIALS
From the Pen of Ben Franklin reproducible
WHAT TO DO
Read the cartoon. Ben Franklin used rattlesnakes to represent the thirteen colonies. Below are statements that might help explain why they were used and comparisons that were given at the time:
• Rattlesnakes are indigenous to no other part of the world.
• They don’t have eyelids—so, like Americans, they are vigilant.
• Rattlesnakes never begin an attack, nor surrender—so they must be noble, forgiving, and brave.
• Rattlesnakes never do harm without warning—so they are generous.
• When they are undisturbed and in peace, rattlesnakes hide their weapons.
• Rattlesnakes are stronger than they look.
• Rattlesnakes prefer to stay alone, and only turn to others when they need to for survival.
• Rattlesnakes are beautiful in youth, and their beauty increases with age.
Now that you understand these comparisons made between rattlesnakes and Americans.
What suggestions do you have about other creatures that could represent the United States, either today or during the Revolution? Be sure you can support your suggestions with a similar rationale.