The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin Literature Reviews Examples

Mounted on the one hundred dollar bill and known for his many contributions and inventions to society, Benjamin Franklin is known as velour inspiration and wisdom. However, under this scenario, Franklin is an arrogant, self-conceited narcissist who only accomplished exceptional tasks, such as inventing the stove in 1742 not to better society, but simply to appease himself. Such evidence is portrayed in his autobiography, which Franklin named The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. In this said autobiography are numerous instances where Franklin’s arrogance and hypocrisy is blatantly obvious. Much of these egotistical instances are apparent using diction, syntax, mood, and rhetorical methods spread throughout the entirety of Ben Franklin’s autobiography.
The diction in Ben Franklin’s autobiography includes countless “my, me, and I’s”. An example of such diction is found on page 111, “ from which I concluded I was never to expect his repaying the money I had lent him or that I had advanced for him.” It is apparent in this short quote, which contained four “I’s” total, that Ben Franklin concerns and devotes much of his subject matter to himself. This syntax proves that he was utterly obsessed about his reputation and ego. Additionally, this word choice also goes to show that perhaps Franklin’s purpose in writing this autobiography was not to share his interesting life encounters and experiences with his readers, but to boast about how successful he was during his lifetime and how much better he thinks he is than the public. This in turn creates a very condescending mood in nearly every aspect of Franklin’s autobiography. An example of such snobbery is found on page 174 when Franklin states, “I was chosen again, unanimously as usual, at the next election.” This quote is direct proof that Benjamin Franklin was a disdainful and insolent individual who expected everyone to appreciate his work and overall skills as a scholar.
Many rhetorical devices, including irony and paradox are used in Benjamin Franklin’s essay. In the second section of Franklin’s autobiography, which was written in 1783, Franklin quotes, “For these 50 years past, no one has ever heard a dogmatically expression escape me.” (156).this quote is conceivably the greatest example of irony throughout the entire autobiography. This is because readers can find examples of Franklin being conceited, condescending, or in the act of self-satisfying himself on virtually every page of his autobiography.
Irony is especially apparent when Franklin lectures about his 13 virtues and attempts to abide by all of them. Two virtues in particular, silence and sincerity, are always broken due to Ben Franklin’s pompous nature. In addition to irony, the rhetorical device, paradox is also commonly found throughout The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Paradox is used by Franklin to demonstrate how much of the American population is not as fortunate or lucky as him. Such an instance is found on page 159 when Franklin states, “- it being more difficult for a man in want to act always honestly, as it is hard for an empty sack to stand upright.” In this text, Franklin tries to convey a message that people are not honest beings, which is entirely untrue. However, Franklin believes he is an honest, perfect man and should therefore be regarded as a role model for people who wish to improve themselves to look on to.
In conclusion, through calculated word choice, syntax and rhetorical devices, readers of Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography get an immediate sense of arrogance radiating off every placed word from Benjamin Franklin. This autobiography certainly was not a documentation of his life, but a careful sequence of Franklin’s accomplishments, designed to make the reader desirous of Benjamin Franklin’s talents and skills as a professional writer, and inventor. There is no doubt that Franklin’s intent in writing and publishing this autobiography was to better his image and reputation among the public around the world.