Benjamin Franklin: The Power of the Written Word

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin begins with several anecdotes in the form of a letter to Benjamin’s son. This is the first encounter we have, as the reader, with the aspect of the written word. Franklin writes that he has “had pleasure in obtaining any little anecdotes of my [his ancestors]” (1). Franklin sought a purpose to write about his own life so that it would be shared with his son. He shares his life story of how he went from being poor to rich and famous, and provides a blueprint for the life he hopes his son will be able to embody, as he grows older. The power of the written word is seen through this letter as Franklin can’t relive his life, but he can rewrite anything that he wishes. Franklin proceeds to admit that he may “change some sinister accidents and events for others for favorable” (1) as he attempts to recollect his life through writing. Franklin is able to establish formal reasons for writing this letter to his son, while incorporating playful chatter as well. Benjamin Franklin learned of his family ancestry through notes written, and passed down by his uncle. These notes reaffirm the importance of the written word in keeping

With this connection to the newly in print newspaper, Franklin “was excited to try [his] hand among [the other writers]” (14). Benjamin was still a young boy at the time the New England Courant was being printed, and therefore he did not think his older brother would oblige to print anything he wrote in the newspaper knowing that it was coming from someone of that age. When James Franklin’s friends praised the articles that had been anonymously submitted to the newspaper, Benjamin decided to come out from anonymity and proclaim the articles as his own. Franklin encounters his first problem being skillful in using the written word in the profession of