To the Royal Academy of Farting by Benjamin Franklin - Book Report/Review Example

To the Royal Academy of Farting - By Benjamin Franklin 'To the Royal Academy of Farting' composed by Benjamin Franklin, is a letter addressed to a fictitious academy. It is one of the most sarcastic, humorous, and yet, informative compositions one could have created. In the letter, Franklin, along with providing the scientific explanation behind the process of farting, has requested the great scientists to invent a product that could turn the offensive odor into a pleasing scent. While doing so, he has not only managed to humorously mock the pretentious people of the upper class, the English, and the intelligent scientists of the world, but has also conveyed a vital philosophical message.

The most humorous aspect of the article that got me laughing, or as a matter of fact would get anyone laughing, is the topic itself. Human flatulence, more commonly known by the term 'fart', is a phenomenon that is natural and common throughout the human race and yet, considered by people all around the world as gross and disgusting. The very title of the article, 'To the royal academy of farting', would be sufficient to capture any reader's attention. Also, the words 'royal academy' and 'farting' appearing next to each other makes it highly humorous.

However, it is not just the title, but the way the entire subject matter has been dealt with that heightens the humor involved. The frankness and seriousness with which Franklin speaks about a topic that most people choose to ignore on purpose, helps in bringing out the humor intended. It is not just humor, but humor coupled with sarcasm, that makes the article even more interesting. It is my opinion that Franklin, himself being a scientist, very well would have known the level of impossibility involved in inventing a product that converts the offensive odor emitted on farting into an enjoyable fragrance.

Therefore, the earnestness with which he places his request itself appears to be very sarcastic. In the very beginning of his letter, Franklin mentions, "Permit me then humbly to propose one of that sort for your consideration, and through you, if you approve it, for the serious Enquiry of learned Physicians, Chemists, &c. of this enlightened Age"(Franklin). Here, Franklin is being sarcastic by saying that his proposal is worth a serious enquiry. If not for the title, one would never be able to anticipate the subject matter proposed for the enquiry.

Franklin manages to mock all those who he intends to mock through this articl. He mocks the well-bred people who would consider it a lack of good manners if anyone farted in public. He also mocks the English people by mentioning that the English would be so ready to abuse one another. Also, while speaking about the utility of the product and the immortal fame the inventor would be honored with, Franklin compares this invention to some of the most famous inventions by great scientists like Newton and Aristotle.

According to me, this comparison is not a mockery intended on Newton or Aristotle, but on those scientists who regard their inventions to be indispensable to mankind and also to the scientific world that considers itself above others. The uniqueness of the letter lies in the fact that Franklin has combined humor, sarcasm and informative details in the same letter. Most importantly, Franklin has also conveyed a philosophical message through the letter that it is more important for one to be able to express oneself rather than do things just to impress others.

Bibliography Franklin, Benjamin. 'To the Royal Academy of Farting'. 1781. 14 March, 2009.