The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written by Benjamin Franklin himself, though not finished. The book itself is very interesting to read and bears huge importance as being a rich heritage of the American nation. Of course, being a famous inventor, philosopher, scientist, and businessman, it is completely understandable why he is being somewhat biased and self-praising. Therefore, let me be completely objective and present one of Benjamin Franklin’s life events from the perspective of his brother. The following narration will be written as if James Franklin told it from his own point of view.
From the very childhood, Ben was a kid who was keen on reading. Every cent that has appeared in the pocket would be spent on books. He was a child of a brilliant intellect though taken from school at the age of ten and brought to work as an apprentice as all children in our family were.
Having a restless way of life, Ben eventually has grown reasonable and decided to become a printer since I returned from England to set up a business in Boston. Despite his utmost hankering for the sea, our father insisted upon Ben’s becoming my apprentice.
It is not that I was jealous of my younger brother’s writing skills, but evidently, I spent much time collecting press and letters in order to get my business going well; while Ben was so finely accomplishing his work obligations as if he was doing it for his entire life though he was only fifteen. Hence, as soon as I noticed a wonderful product of Ben’s visiting Mr. Mathew Adams’ library, it would be silly and unprofitable not to encourage him to compose occasional ballads.
In 1720 or 1721 I successfully started to print a newspaper called The New England Courant though my friends tried hard to discourage me from doing that. There already was a newspaper in America that had already gained popularity. My brother Ben, devotedly accompanying me in all the undertakings, was assigned to carry the printed sheets through the customers in the street. I thought since he was so responsible and much involved in our new occupation the obligation, I imposed on him was just the one to fit in order to make show how important his place in the newspaper is.
Speaking of the work that had to be done to increase The New England Courant’s popularity, my friends used to amuse themselves with writing for the paper. As I found out later on, Benjamin was looking forward to doing so either. However, he was just a boy and most likely did not have the relevant writing experience to undertake such a responsibility that helped the newspaper gain credit among readers. So, the deceitful little brother began writing the pieces under another name Mrs. Silence Dogood. I wonder if there was at least any hesitation in his brilliant head before he decided to do so against my decline.
As a result of one of those articles, I have been taken to prison for a month for giving offense to the Assembly. Oh, I wish I just knew who the author of that masterpiece was! Subsequently, after my discharge, the House ordered: ‘James Franklin should no longer print the paper called the New England Courant.’ Having a strong feeling of disappointment and my entire life career’s downfall, the circumstances forced me to make Benjamin the head of the paper for several months under respective conditions, of course.
Being too saucy and provoking, Benjamin made me go around the town’s printing-houses and prevented my further employment.
Works Cited
Franklin,B. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Paperback – 1996. Print.