The Way To Wealth

Today, leisure pursuits and vacation time are a valued element of American professional culture. How might Benjamin Franklin respond to today’s interpretation of leisure time as a reward for hard work?

Analyze the ending of the essay; why do you think Franklin chose to conclude the essay with a description of the crowd’s decision to ignore Father Abraham?

Discuss the use of irony in Franklin’s essay. Do you find the tone of the essay to be gentle and humorous, or sarcastic and satirical? Provide evidence for your response.