Question

A political cartoon showing a snake in pieces labeled S C, N C, V, M, P, N J, N Y, N E. The words Join, or Die are across the bottom.
Franklin uses the metaphor of the snake cut into pieces to illustrate the colonies’ need to

unite despite different identities and interests.
make independent decisions about their futures.
separate to become more powerful.
stay loyal to the British crown.

Answer 1

Unite despite different identities and interests.

Franklin’s segmented snake (with each segment labeled for a colony) and the caption “Join, or Die” urge the colonies to join together — warning that only by unity could they survive and be effective.