“When men and woman die, as poets sung, his heart’s the last part moves, her last, the tongue.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“When men and woman die, as poets sung, his heart’s the last part moves, her last, the tongue.”
Explanation
In this humorous and somewhat satirical couplet, Benjamin Franklin plays on gender stereotypes to comment on perceived differences between men and women. The line suggests that when men die, the heart is the last to stop, symbolizing emotional depth or stoic silence. In contrast, when women die, “her last, the tongue” implies that women are more inclined to talkativeness, with speech continuing even to the end.
Franklin was well known for his witty, often provocative observations on human nature, and this quote reflects his use of irony and wordplay to spark reflection or amusement. While clearly shaped by the social norms and gender expectations of the 18th century, it also plays into a long literary tradition of poetic caricature and playful exaggeration. Rather than a serious critique, it’s a clever quip meant to entertain and provoke a chuckle, not necessarily to be taken as a definitive statement about men or women.
In modern times, the quote is best appreciated in the context of historical satire. While gender roles have evolved and such generalizations are often seen as reductive today, Franklin’s wit continues to invite discussion about the ways humor reflects—and challenges—social assumptions. His couplet serves as a reminder of the enduring power of words to playfully explore human habits, even as culture continues to shift.
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