Benjamin franklin autobiography literary analysis

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Let us explain why it's complicated. He recounts his early childhood from his birth in January 1706 to his brief time in grammar school at 8 years old. During his early career as a printer, Franklin develops his writing skills by imitating works like newspapers and writing his own poetry and essays.

In Philadelphia, Franklin meets his future wife, Deborah Read, and cultivates many personal and professional relationships, such as with Governor Keith of Pennsylvania.

Franklin also mentions his love for reading that begins in childhood and continues throughout the rest of his life.

After spending over a year in London, Franklin returns to Philadelphia and establishes himself in the printing industry; he also marries Deborah and forms the Junto club with the purpose of further developing his writing and debating skills. Mark Twain had a few gently mocking words about the “affliction” pervading young boys who picked up the work.

Overall, though, it is a central work in the American canon and is frequently studied in schools and universities.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

In his writing, Franklin reflects upon his academic, professional, and philosophical pursuits. This is also when Franklin most likely drew up his outline for the entire work. 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Content Warning: Franklin’s autobiography reflects perspectives and norms of the 18th century, which include outdated views on race, gender, and class.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.

He outlines his dedication to improving his writing skills as well as developing his list of 13 virtues. He had stated a few times that he did not want to publish it, but this was belied by the fact that he sent out copies of the manuscript to several friends over the years. He aims to not only relive his life, which will satisfy his vanity, but also provide guidance to his reader, whether that be his children or a public audience.

In Part 1, Franklin reflects on his family’s history and briefly describes their immigration to America.

Part Three, dating from 1788-89, was composed when a Franklin now in his eighties had, after a long and distinguished international career, returned home to settle his affairs. The work was first published in 1791 in Paris, France, after Franklin’s death as The Private Life of the Late Benjamin Franklin. The shortest section, Part Four, was written when Franklin was in poor health in the last few months of his life.” The work is unfinished, as Franklin died in 1790, but an outline exists that shows what Franklin intended to include.

The Autobiography was occasionally known as a Life or Memoirs before the 1840s, and there were many competing versions of the text in circulation in its early years.

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