Spoon River Anthology, Franklin Jones summary
Franklin Jones of 246 · 1 min to read the chapter
In Franklin Jones, the speaker says another year of life could bring completion of his flying machine, wealth, and fame, but death cuts those hopes short. A workman’s dove carving looks like a chicken, prompting Jones to compare life to a bird’s brief existence while stressing that humans foresee death.
What happens
- Franklin Jones says another year could allow him to finish his flying machine and gain wealth and fame.
- He calls it fitting that a workman’s attempt to carve a dove resembles a chicken.
- He compares life to hatching and running in a yard until slaughter.
- He distinguishes humans from chickens by their ability to foresee death.

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What to notice
The ending qualifies the comparison between people and chickens. Human understanding brings awareness of death rather than escape from it.
Quick check
What does the workman’s attempted dove resemble?

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