Article #148-2 | Gutenberg Articles

Excerpt

Excerpt from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, by Benjamin Franklin

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

Benjamin Franklin was born in Milk Street, Boston, on January 6, 1706.
His father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow chandler who married twice,
and of his seventeen children Benjamin was the youngest son. His
schooling ended at ten, and at twelve he was bound apprentice to his
brother James, a printer, who published the "New England Courant." To
this journal he became a contributor, and later was for a time its
nominal editor. But the brothers quarreled, and Benjamin ran away, going
first to New York, and thence to Philadelphia, where he arrived in
October, 1723. He soon obtained work as a printer, but after a few
months he was induced by Governor Keith to go to London, where, finding
Keith's promises empty, he again worked as a compositor till he was
brought back to Philadelphia by a merchant named Denman, who gave him a
position in his business. On Denman's death he returned to his former
trade, and shortly set up a printing house of his own from which he
published "The Pennsylvania Gazette," to which he contributed many
essays, and which he made a medium for agitating a variety of local
reforms. In 1732 he began to issue his famous "Poor Richard's Almanac"
for the enrichment of which he borrowed or composed those pithy
utterances of worldly wisdom which are the basis of a large part of his
popular reputation. In 1758, the year in which he ceased writing for the
Almanac, he printed in it "Father Abraham's Sermon," now regarded as the
most famous piece of literature produced in Colonial America.

Meantime Franklin was concerning himself more and more with public
affairs. He set forth a scheme for an Academy, which was taken up later
and finally developed into the University of Pennsylvania; and he
founded an "American Philosophical Society" for the purpose of enabling
scientific men to communicate their discoveries to one another. He
himself had already begun his electrical researches, which, with other
scientific inquiries, he carried on in the intervals of money-making and
politics to the end of his life. In 1748 he sold his business in order
to get leisure for study, having now acquired comparative wealth; and in
a few years he had made discoveries that gave him a reputation with the
learned throughout Europe. In politics he proved very able both as an
administrator and as a controversialist; but his record as an
office-holder is stained by the use he made of his position to advance
his relatives. His most notable service in home politics was his reform
of the postal system; but his fame as a statesman rests chiefly on his
services in connection with the relations of the Colonies with Great
Britain, and later with France. In 1757 he was sent to England to
protest against the influence of the Penns in the government of the
colony, and for five years he remained there, striving to enlighten the
people and the ministry of England as to Colonial conditions. On his
return to America he played an honorable part in the Paxton affair,
through which he lost his seat in the Assembly; but in 1764 he was again
despatched to England as agent for the colony, this time to petition the
King to resume the government from the hands of the proprietors. In
London he actively opposed the proposed Stamp Act, but lost the credit
for this and much of his popularity through his securing for a friend
the office of stamp agent in America. Even his effective work in helping
to obtain the repeal of the act left him still a suspect; but he
continued his efforts to present the case for the Colonies as the
troubles thickened toward the crisis of the Revolution. In 1767 he
crossed to France, where he was received with honor; but before his
return home in 1775 he lost his position as postmaster through his share
in divulging to Massachusetts the famous letter of Hutchinson and
Oliver. On his arrival in Philadelphia he was chosen a member of the
Continental Congress, and in 1777 he was despatched to France as
commissioner for the United States. Here he remained till 1785, the
favorite of French society; and with such success did he conduct the
affairs of his country that when he finally returned he received a place
only second to that of Washington as the champion of American
independence. He died on April 17, 1790.

Explanation

The provided excerpt is the Introductory Note to The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, a foundational text in American literature and one of the most influential autobiographies ever written. While the excerpt itself is not part of Franklin’s actual autobiography (which begins with his famous letter to his son, William Franklin), it serves as a biographical and historical preamble that contextualizes Franklin’s life, achievements, and the broader significance of his work.

Below is a detailed textual analysis of the excerpt, focusing on its content, themes, literary function, and implications—both as a standalone piece and as a gateway to Franklin’s autobiography.

1. Context and Purpose of the Excerpt

The Introductory Note is likely written by an editor (possibly John Bigelow, who compiled the first authoritative edition of Franklin’s autobiography in 1868) to provide readers with:

A chronological summary of Franklin’s life.
A highlight reel of his accomplishments in printing, science, politics, and diplomacy.
A framework for understanding the autobiography’s themes (self-improvement, public service, Enlightenment ideals).

Unlike Franklin’s own writing, which is personal, reflective, and didactic, this note is objective, third-person, and encyclopedic, serving as a historical primer before the reader engages with Franklin’s first-person narrative.

2. Key Themes in the Excerpt

The note introduces several major themes that recur in Franklin’s autobiography and his broader legacy:

Franklin’s humble origins (born to a tallow chandler, youngest of 17 children, minimal formal education) contrast sharply with his rise to prominence as a printer, scientist, and statesman.
The excerpt emphasizes his apprenticeship system (bound to his brother at 12, later running his own printing house), which was a common path to upward mobility in colonial America.
This theme aligns with the American Dream narrative—Franklin’s life becomes a template for self-improvement, a central idea in his autobiography (e.g., his "13 Virtues" plan).

B. The Enlightenment Thinker & Public Intellectual

Franklin’s intellectual curiosity is highlighted: his scientific experiments (electricity), founding of the American Philosophical Society, and contributions to education (University of Pennsylvania).
His practical wisdom (e.g., Poor Richard’s Almanac) reflects the Enlightenment valorization of reason, empiricism, and civic engagement.
The note positions him as a Renaissance man—equally adept in science, business, and politics.

C. The Pragmatic Politician & Diplomat

Franklin’s political career is framed as both idealistic and strategic:
- He reforms the postal system (a model of efficient governance).
- He navigates colonial-British tensions (opposing the Stamp Act, petitioning the King).
- His diplomatic triumphs in France (securing support for the American Revolution) are presented as pivotal to U.S. independence.
The note subtly critiques his nepotism ("use he made of his position to advance his relatives"), a rare blemish in an otherwise heroic portrait.

D. The Paradox of Franklin’s Legacy

The excerpt celebrates Franklin’s genius but also hints at controversies:
- His ambiguous role in the Stamp Act crisis (he opposed it but helped a friend become a stamp agent, damaging his reputation).
- His leaked Hutchinson letters (which exposed British officials’ disdain for colonists but cost him his postmaster position).
This duality—Franklin as both hero and flawed human—foreshadows the self-critical tone of his autobiography.

3. Literary Devices & Stylistic Features

While the excerpt is expository rather than literary, it employs several rhetorical and structural techniques to shape the reader’s perception of Franklin:

A. Chronological Progression as Narrative Arc

The note follows a linear timeline, mirroring the rise-to-fame structure of classical biography.
Key turning points are highlighted:
- 1723: Runs away to Philadelphia (a foundational moment in his autobiography).
- 1732: Begins Poor Richard’s Almanac (establishing his public persona).
- 1757–1775: Political missions to England and France (culminating in his revolutionary role).

B. Selective Emphasis & Omission

The editor prioritizes Franklin’s public achievements (scientific, political) over personal details (e.g., his marriage to Deborah Read is not mentioned).
Controversies (e.g., his estrangement from his son William, a Loyalist) are downplayed, presenting a largely heroic Franklin.
This curated narrative aligns with Franklin’s own autobiographical project—both seek to construct a legend while acknowledging human imperfections.

C. Juxtaposition of Roles

The excerpt lists Franklin’s many identities (printer, scientist, diplomat, reformer) in rapid succession, creating a mosaic of a polymath.
Phrases like "in the intervals of money-making and politics" suggest his relentless industry—a key theme in his autobiography.

D. Understated Irony

The note matter-of-factly states that Franklin "lost his seat in the Assembly" during the Paxton affair (a violent conflict between settlers and Native Americans), but does not elaborate on the moral complexity of his stance (he advocated for peaceful resolution, alienating both sides).
Similarly, his dismissal as postmaster is framed as a consequence of his patriotism (leaking the Hutchinson letters), but the political fallout is left unexplored.

4. Significance of the Excerpt

A. As a Prelude to the Autobiography

The note sets expectations for the reader:
- Franklin’s life is extraordinary—his autobiography will be a guide to success.
- His flaws (nepotism, political missteps) suggest the autobiography will be honest, not hagiographic.
It complements Franklin’s own modest, conversational tone in the autobiography by providing a grand historical backdrop.

B. As a Historical Document

The excerpt reflects 19th-century views of Franklin:
- He is canonized as a Founding Father, his scientific and diplomatic achievements emphasized over his personal struggles.
- The omission of his later years (e.g., his complex relationship with his son, his final years in Philadelphia) suggests a focus on his "useful" legacy.
It reinforces the myth of Franklin as the quintessential American—industrious, inventive, and morally upright (despite occasional lapses).

C. As a Lens on Colonial & Revolutionary America

Franklin’s life embodies the tensions of the era:
- Colonial ambition vs. British authority (his missions to London, opposition to the Stamp Act).
- Enlightenment ideals vs. political reality (his scientific work vs. his pragmatic diplomacy).
- Individualism vs. civic duty (his self-improvement vs. his public service).
The note implicitly argues that Franklin’s personal virtues (perseverance, curiosity, adaptability) were essential to the nation’s founding.

5. Connection to Franklin’s Autobiography

When read alongside Franklin’s actual autobiography, this excerpt serves as a counterpoint:

Franklin’s voice is intimate, reflective, and didactic (e.g., his famous opening: "I have always had a strong inclination for obtaining the good opinion of others").
The Introductory Note, by contrast, is detached and panoramic, focusing on external achievements rather than internal struggles.
Together, they create a dual portrait:
- The public Franklin (statesman, scientist, celebrity).
- The private Franklin (ambitious, introspective, sometimes contradictory).

6. Conclusion: Why This Excerpt Matters

The Introductory Note is more than a mere summary—it is a framing device that:

Elevates Franklin to mythic status while hinting at his humanity.
Prepares the reader for the autobiography’s themes of self-improvement, civic duty, and Enlightenment rationalism.
Reflects the cultural work of biography—shaping how we remember historical figures.

Franklin’s autobiography itself is a masterclass in self-fashioning, and this note extends that project, ensuring that even before we hear Franklin’s own voice, we see him as a man of destiny—flawed, but indispensable to the American experiment.

Final Thought: The Excerpt as a Mirror

In many ways, the Introductory Note is a microcosm of how history is written:

It selects which events to highlight.
It interprets Franklin’s motives (e.g., his opposition to the Stamp Act is framed as purely patriotic).
It leaves gaps (e.g., his personal life, his later disillusionment with France).

Just as Franklin crafted his own image in his autobiography, this note crafts a legacy—one that has endured for centuries. The reader is left to compare the two narratives: the Franklin of history and the Franklin of memory.

Questions

Question 1

The Introductory Note’s portrayal of Franklin’s political career most closely aligns with which of the following interpretive frameworks?

A. A Whiggish celebration of inevitable progress, where Franklin’s virtues are presented as the natural outgrowth of an enlightened age.
B. A Marxist critique of bourgeois individualism, subtly exposing how Franklin’s public service masked self-interested accumulation of capital.
C. A postcolonial indictment of imperial complicity, framing Franklin as an unwitting agent of British hegemony despite his revolutionary posture.
D. A realist assessment of power dynamics, wherein Franklin’s diplomatic successes are attributed primarily to structural advantages rather than personal genius.
E. A pragmatic Enlightenment narrative, acknowledging Franklin’s flaws while emphasizing his adaptive intelligence as instrumental to both personal and collective advancement.

Question 2

The passage’s treatment of Franklin’s scientific and political endeavors implies which of the following about the relationship between intellectual pursuit and civic engagement in the 18th century?

A. Scientific inquiry was largely divorced from political utility, with Franklin’s experiments serving as a private distraction from his public duties.
B. The two spheres were symbiotic but hierarchical, with political power enabling scientific reputation rather than the reverse.
C. They were mutually reinforcing domains, where empirical curiosity and civic reform were seen as complementary expressions of Enlightenment ideals.
D. Franklin’s political ambitions systematically undermined his scientific credibility, as evidenced by his need to "get leisure for study" only after acquiring wealth.
E. The passage suggests a tension wherein Franklin’s scientific achievements were celebrated in Europe but dismissed as frivolous by his American contemporaries.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the rhetorical effect of the passage’s chronological structure?

A. It creates a teleological inevitability, wherein Franklin’s rise appears predestined rather than contingent on historical circumstances.
B. It juxtaposes discrete phases of Franklin’s life to highlight the discontinuities between his private ambitions and public roles.
C. It mirrors the cyclical nature of colonial politics, with Franklin’s repeated trips to England and France symbolizing the futility of revolutionary change.
D. It undermines Franklin’s agency by framing his achievements as products of external opportunities (e.g., Governor Keith’s empty promises, Denman’s patronage).
E. It adopts a satirical tone, using the accumulation of dates and events to parody the hagiographic conventions of 19th-century biography.

Question 4

The passage’s mention of Franklin’s "use [of] his position to advance his relatives" serves primarily to:

A. undermine the myth of Franklin as a self-made man by revealing his reliance on nepotistic networks.
B. provide a counterexample to the Enlightenment ideal of meritocracy, suggesting that even its exemplars violated its principles.
C. introduce a rare note of moral ambiguity into an otherwise laudatory account, complicating the reader’s assessment of Franklin’s character.
D. illustrate the corrupting influence of political power, positioning Franklin as a cautionary figure rather than a model.
E. highlight a strategic necessity of colonial governance, wherein personal loyalty was essential to navigating factional conflicts.

Question 5

The omission of Franklin’s personal life (e.g., his marriage, his estrangement from his Loyalist son) most strongly suggests that the Introductory Note prioritizes:

A. a feminist critique of biographical conventions that erase domestic labor and familial relationships.
B. a romanticized view of genius, wherein the private lives of great men are deemed irrelevant to their public legacies.
C. an intentional silence meant to provoke readers to seek out Franklin’s autobiography for a more "authentic" portrait.
D. a historiographical focus on institutional and intellectual contributions over individual psychology or private morality.
E. a colonialist bias, wherein the personal narratives of American figures are deemed less significant than their roles in European diplomatic history.

Solutions and Explanations

1) Correct answer: E

Why E is most correct: The passage presents Franklin as a figure whose adaptive intelligence—his ability to navigate printing, science, politics, and diplomacy—was central to his success. While it acknowledges flaws (e.g., nepotism, the Stamp Act controversy), these are framed as minor blemishes rather than systemic critiques. The tone aligns with pragmatic Enlightenment values: human progress is possible through reason and effort, but individuals remain imperfect. This interpretation avoids the determinism of A, the ideological critique of B and C, and the structural reductionism of D, instead emphasizing Franklin’s agency within constraints.