Ben franklin the autobiography summary
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Despite a rocky publication history, Franklin’s autobiography has become a classic example of the genre.
Part One of the autobiography covers Franklin’s early life, his experience as an apprentice in his older brother’s printing shop, and his eventual decision to leave Boston for Philadelphia.
He plans to take a week for each; they include temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. Franklin begins his career in printing after he apprentices himself to his older brother, James; however, the brothers part ways due to an argument.
In terms of leisure, he was abstemious: he only read and spent no time in taverns or gambling. The autobiography was then published in London in 1793. He works with the Governor and is eventually sent, along with his son, to London as a representative of the Assembly. Franklin runs away from Boston to New York City before settling in Philadelphia and works at another printing shop for a man named Keimer.
He traces it back three hundred years to Ecton in Northamptonshire, England, and then brings it to his father Josiah’s arrival in New England to escape religious persecution. One man, James Ralph, decides to accompany Franklin to London, where Franklin will continue to study the printing trade and meet influential men to whom Keith had promised to introduce him via letters.
He also works on civic projects, such as creating a subscription library.
Picking up his writing after the American Revolution in 1784 in France, the beginning of Part 2 opens with two letters from Franklin’s friends that encourage him to continue writing his autobiography. The narrative is characterized by Franklin’s engaging prose style and his reflections on the lessons he learned throughout his life.
Throughout his autobiography, Franklin emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and hard work, citing his own diligent pursuit of knowledge and success as examples for others to follow.
Keep in the sunlight.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Honesty is the best policy.” – Benjamin Franklin
“If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Many people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.” – Benjamin Franklin
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Here the manuscript breaks off; Franklin then returns to it where he left off, first including a few letters from prominent men exhorting him to finish it because he led a remarkable life and has wisdom to offer readers.Franklin accounts for the founding of the library and returns to how successful his business was.
His main frustration is with Pennsylvania’s Proprietors, who refuse to pass defense spending bills if their estates are taxed.
In 1754 the British go to war against France and the Indians, with the colonists begrudgingly aiding their British leaders. Part Three covers Franklin’s diplomatic missions in England and his eventual return to America to help draft the Declaration of Independence.
In Part Four, Franklin focuses on his later life, including his scientific experiments with electricity and his advocacy for the abolition of slavery.
Other works by Franklin include Poor Richard’s Almanack, "The Way To Wealth", and "Articles of Confederation".
This study guide refers to the paperback Norton Critical Edition published by W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. in 2012.
Content Warning: Franklin’s autobiography reflects perspectives and norms of the 18th century, which include outdated views on race, gender, and class.
Summary
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written in four parts over different time periods, up to the end of his life.
There Franklin gets work with a printer named Keimer, with whom he has a pleasant enough relationship.
The Governor of the province, Sir William Keith, is impressed by Franklin and offers to help convince Franklin’s father that he ought to get his own shop. He looks to his first public project, a subscription library.
As part of his 13-week plan, Franklin includes his daily schedule.
During the next part of his autobiography—which he begins in 1788 after returning to Philadelphia—Franklin focuses heavily on the French and Indian War. He claims to have lost some of his writing for his autobiography during the Revolutionary War. Franklin’s role in the French and Indian War involves setting up meetings with Indigenous peoples and obtaining resources for the soldiers.
In Part 3, he discusses his publication of an almanac, his services with religious groups, and the advancement of his Junto club, which continues to expand across the colonies.
Franklin worries about paying back the money of his father’s friend Vernon, who had given it to Franklin for safekeeping: unbeknownst to Vernon, Franklin had loaned to Collins.
Franklin courts a young woman named Miss Read and enjoys conversing about poetry and philosophy with other young men in the town. He also reflects on his personal shortcomings and failures, offering them as cautionary tales for his readers.
Overall, Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography stands as a testament to one man’s extraordinary life and accomplishments, as well as a guidepost for future generations seeking to achieve their own success through hard work and perseverance.
Takeaways fromBenjamin Franklin Autobiography
Here are some of the key takeaways from Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography:
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He encourages others to do the same by giving back to their communities.
These are just some of the lessons that can be learned from Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography.