Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Franklin's Letter To Thomas Paine

Astounding inventor and founding father of America, Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, about the existence of God. Paine is strongly against the thought of a provincial God and Franklin is straight up telling him that his opinion won’t be popular, based on the large amount of religious people who would riot against him. Paine sent a manuscript of the advocation of the providential God to Franklin for advice and suggestions because he has had complications with his political writings. But this particular piece of his writing, will not be as admired as some of his other famous works.
Paine is known as a sophisticated man of society, so Franklin does not try to sway his opinion with emotions but rather logical points. This appeals to Franklin’s intended audience, which is Paine, by showing he knows how to talk to his audience in a specific way to catch his attention. Franklin describes how Paine’s manuscript “strikes at the foundations of religion” by his perspective on

the provincial God and his existence. This can be viewed as an exaggeration because Paine is questioning everything about religion even its basic principles. Franklin also states, “You might easily display your excellent talents of reasoning upon a less hazardous subject, and thereby obtain a rank with our most distinguished authors.” This portrays that Paine’s writings are usually excellent, which can be debatable, but his ideas weren’t lining up with his writing.
Throughout the letter, Franklin is warning Paine against his pretentious beliefs.

This is because Paine has a very unpopular opinion that could get him hurt if anyone found out about it. Franklin says, “not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person”. He compares society to a tiger because they could attack him for such a thought of not believing in God. Franklin even goes so far to mock Paine’s ignorance on the subject on God and how he doesn’t exist when Paine isn’t able to prove it. He discusses how Paine pointed out in his argument that men with God are wicked, but Franklin responds with, “If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it?”. This statement contradicts Paine’s point by showing that people without God are not higher than people of society who believe in God. He could also mean that since no one has proof of whether or not God does exist, then why tell someone he

doesn’t?
Going back on the idea of Franklin mocking Paine’s ignorance on the subject of God. The audience is unaware of Ben Franklin’s beliefs of God, but we know that he is trying to stick up for Paine and offer some suggestions. He even goes so far to say, “He that spits against the wind, spits in his own face”. This can mean that Paine going against society with the doubtful opinion of God could blow up right back in his face. This idiom is located at the end of the first paragraph, to tie all the loose ends of Franklin’s argument. Franklin also discusses how he could go on through his life, just like other “ignorant men and women”, and live perfectly fine. But other need the thoughts of support and virtue that they believe they can receive from God. Franklin also states, “whereby you will save yourself a great deal of mortification by the enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of regret and repentance”. Repentance can be considered as a calling to the Lord, which could be individuals of society trying to change Paine’s opinion or convert him to their religion. Franklin is persuading Paine that he does not need to make enemies with the public over a existence over someone that isn’t proven true or false.
Ben Franklin establishes a personal connection with Thomas Paine throughout the letter by offering him questions and advice to think about. Franklin talks to Paine logically about his beliefs and then backs up his claims. But the only reason he is writing back, is to help Paine. He is trying to protect Paine from his on writing, but he ends up publishing it anyway. Franklin ends his letter to Paine with, “In intend this letter itself as a proof of my friendship, and therefore add no professions to it”. This statement shows that Franklin is being friendly to Paine by offering him advice and by talking about their friendship together. Franklin seems very sincere when writing this letter to Paine, because he is offering helpful advice but also constructive criticism. He does this by warning him against openly discussing his beliefs about the existence of God in front of the public. Franklin also relates to Paine by signing off of the letter by saying, “subscribe simply yours”, which means more like a friend instead of a professional or colleague.
Ben Franklin’s letter written to Thomas Paine was very effective for Franklin reaching his point. Without this letter, Paine could have been harassed or even hurt for his beliefs by the religious people in society. Both men being ranked of high importance and sophistication, are using a very well reasoned communication instead of using solely emotions to express their objections in discussion.