Chapter Eight Summary and Analysis

Chapter Eight details Franklin's time as an agent in London from 1757-1762. Throughout his life and career Franklin, like his oil and water experiments, tries to find ways to calm the roiling waves. Though he thinks his work in London will be done in five months, he stays five years. He stays with the widowed Margaret Stevenson and her daughter Polly, who forms a relationship with Franklin much like Caty Ray does years earlier. Franklin respects Deborah, but knows she will not be comfortable in London society. Franklin recreates the atmosphere of the Junto, surrounding himself with intellectuals who have middle-class values. Franklin comes to London fully believing in the Crown and the Empire, but realizes Americans are regarded as second-class citizens. In his debates against the Penns, Franklin believes the colonists have been deceived over their right to...