In Walter Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin, the author highlights Franklin's pragmatic approach to marriage. He valued qualities in a wife that would provide stability and comfort rather than simply pursuing romantic ideals. This practicality shaped his expectations and choices in relationships.
Deborah Read, whom Franklin married, may not have been particularly beautiful, but she embodied the traits he sought. Her plainness was overshadowed by her ability to create a nurturing home and a sense of domesticity, aligning with Franklin's desire for a supportive partnership in his life.