The Autobiography by Ben Franklin - Research Proposal Example

HERE YOUR HERE YOUR HERE HERE “The Autobiography” by Ben Franklin: Analysis of Purpose and Audience All pages of BenjaminFranklin’s “The Autobiography” were produced between 1771 and 1790, just one year prior to his death. During the 1770’s, great mistrust and animosity against British rule and the perceived tyranny of the many debilitating policies of the crown existed throughout the American culture. Franklin was also very well-versed in what drove the motivations and beliefs of his fellow man, with Franklin maintaining a somewhat-mixed view on what constitutes acceptable wisdom and human morality. Franklin utilized this understanding of his audience to construct “The Autobiography”, blending rational discussion with an almost jovial tone in order to ensure that his intended message was delivered and received by the reader. It is clear that Franklin is intending to deliver the message of the evils of tyrannical leadership, the necessity for education and social improvement, and to suggest the importance of religious doctrine (even to the non-believer) as a means of honoring the precepts of wisdom, hard work, and divinity. These were likely common themes amongst a society which was only just beginning to establish its own social and moral code of living and end a long-standing reliance on foreign rulers to experience technological and social improvements. It is important to describe the audience of this particular time period who Franklin continuously attempted to reach through his moral and ethical writings. Franklin, himself, maintained a bladder calculus which caused urinary tract problems. Franklin discovered that his only solution to this problem was to stand upon his head in order to allow the calculus deposit to fall away from the opening of the bladder so that he could urinate (St. James and Spiro, 28). Franklin’s medical condition might not appear to be relevant to the writing style of his work “The Autobiography”, however it is highly-connected to the social beliefs of the time period where understandings of life (medicine, technology, etc.) were only in their infant stages compared to modern technological and social development. In addition, with newfound hope in progress and industry, the barrier between long-standing religious beliefs on God and acceptable business practices was becoming blurred. It is likely through works such as “The Autobiography” where Ben Franklin was able to remind society that religious devotion and religious doctrine continues to ring true regardless of the level of individual belief in the divine and in what constituted acceptable worship practices. Ben Franklin was a voice of reason whose opinion bore high levels of respect in the early-American culture. His ability to dispose of the mundane and ridiculous and replace it with sound wisdom and forethought brought others to seek his advices. Franklin appeared to understand different personality types and various work ethics of different social groups, such as the wealthy compared to the poor, and seemed to feel that it was his personal responsibility to act as a moral and ethical mentor to his colleagues and the general public. Where others might think that Franklin was simply a dry rhetorist with a flair for using subversive tones to deliver secretive messages, “The Autobiography” hints toward a person who can blend humor with knowledge to appeal to a widely-diverse community of citizens. Franklin discusses an English proverb which states: “He that would thrive, must ask his wife” (Franklin, 1). This is somewhat of a satirical statement, which suggests the merits of frugality of living, offering that culture in this period recognized the importance of the wife as a cost-control entity and a humorous addition to the lifestyle of man. Franklin’s humorist attitude is often noticed in many of his works. Franklin commented on his own autobiography right at the time of its publication, “At least I will never have to think about writing a Second Edition” (Thorne, 109). This illustrates a person who maintained a rather humorous view of himself, able to sternly address matters of social disgraces while still keeping his own, proverbial feet planted firmly on the ground as merely a man and not necessarily as a self-perceived genius of thought and principle. This is likely why Franklin was able to create positive connections with a wide variety of demographics for his ability to blend humanity with logical wisdom to appeal to many citizens. Evidence of Franklin’s humor is also prevalent in “The Autobiography” when Franklin states, “It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” (Rozakis, 75). This was likely an attempt to capture the attention of his audience by crafting a customized message which not only draws in the reader through wit, but identifies with the difficulty of reaching religious-based perfection in principles. Franklin also seems to point out the merits of cost-savings through his extended lessons on frugality in “The Autobiography” in his discussion about the poor woman searching for a monetary hand-out in reward for her sweeping prowess. Franklin is reinforcing the necessity for a hard day’s work as the only suitable reward for financial payment, however at the same time he is realizing that specific work can be accomplished in a fraction of the time by changing the labor components. (Franklin determined that a man could do the job in half the time). This also represents a side of Franklin where his writings indicate that he is both a pragmatist and a shrewd businessperson who knows how to earn a substantial living. In essence, it is almost as if Franklin is attempting to use himself as the guiding example for quality business practices, which illustrates that he maintains somewhat of an aristocratic belief in his moral superiority. Franklin most assuredly understood the value of both the written and spoken word, which was likely a genuine part of his personal lifestyle when attending group functions with other wealthy businessmen to discuss domestic affairs. This was during a period where good sense and well-educated grammar were considered to be pivotal personality characteristics. This is likely why Franklin utilizes this language and tone throughout “The Autobiography” to, subtly, remind the reader that despite his grounded personality, he is still one of the elite and is not afraid to illustrate it when deemed appropriate. According to one author, Franklin’s aim for writing was to “liberate from the shackles of ignorance all who would think for themselves” (Lehmann, 1). This is the essence of Franklin. Works Cited Franklin, Benjamin. “The Autobiography”, 1791. Accessed 28 Nov 2008 Lehmann, Timothy. “B. Franklin, Moralist: Printer, Patriot, Scientist, Inventor - - and Philosopher”. American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. Accessed 28 Nov 2008 < http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.23704/pub_detail.asp> Rozakis, Laurie. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing Well. Indianapolis, IN, Alpha Books, 2000. St. James, D. and H.M. Spiro. Writing and Speaking for Excellence: A Guide for Physicians. Boston, Jones & Bartlett Publishers Inc., 1996. Thorne, J.D. A Concise Guide to Successful Employment Practices. Chicago, CCH Incorporated, 1996. Read More