Name: Poppy Vorse Date: 10/20/14 Period: 2nd
Book Title: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Genre: Autobiography
Original Publication Date: January 1, 1790 Your Edition’s Publication Date: 1992
Author: Benjamin Franklin Number of Pages: 294
Summary: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin begins with his purpose of writing the book, stating that the next best thing to reliving one’s life is the recollection of it in writing. Addressed to his son William, Benjamin Franklin discusses his early life in Boston, including being the 15th of 17 children. He apprenticed as a printer for his older brother, James. Franklin didn’t get along with his brother so at age 16 he went to Philadelphia where he started working for Samuel Keimer. …show more content…
Initially he writes to his son, “The first part, written as a letter to his son, William Franklin, was not intended for publication… the second part, from 1730 on, which was written with a view to publication,” (16). After persuasion from his friends and those interested in his life, Franklin wrote the second part to Americans in general. For the rest of the book his audience included anyone with interest in Benjamin Franklin’s successful and vivid life.

Purpose:
Logos:
Pathos: Pathos is seen throughout the book with personal examples, failed attempts, and sensitive topics. On page 164, Franklin appeals to his audience’s sense of pathos with a personal example. He mentions the death of his son, “In 1736 I lost one of my sons, a fine boy of four years old, by the small-pox, taken in the common way.” This really tugs at the audience’s heart strings and leaves a lasting impression, along with supporting his reason for regret, “I long regretted bitterly, and still regret that I had not given it to him by inoculation.” His appeal to pathos is very persuasive and effective.

Excerpt From: Benjamin Franklin. “Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.” iBooks.