Chapter Sixteen, Chapter Seventeen, and Conclusion Summary and Analysis

Chapter Sixteen takes place in Philadelphia from 1785-1790. On the voyage from England Franklin indulges in his scientific inquiries. He finally has his family gathered around him at the house on Market Street. Benny becomes a printer and Temple, after a failed attempt at farming, becomes a party staple in Philadelphia. Franklin decides to build new houses and add on to Market Street, expanding the house by a third and adding an extensive library. He is elected the state president of Pennsylvania. The federal constitution needs to be rediscussed and the convention takes place in Philadelphia. Franklin's function at the convention is threefold: 1) he is very comfortable with democracy, unlike some of the other statesmen; 2) he is the most well traveled and worldly of the delegates; and 3) he embodies the spirit...