Ben Franklin discusses a variety of American values he believes are of quality within his two works we have read in class. Specifically, he constantly revisits the value of self-reliance within “The Way to Wealth” and within his “Autobiography.” Self-reliance is exactly what it sounds like. It is relying on one’s own powers and resources rather than others. This value inhibits other values such as hard work, and individualism. Franklin, among many others then and today, believed that self-reliance could improve your life financially and mentally. In his “Autobiography”, Franklin quotes a proverb of Solomon saying “Seest thou a man diligent in his calling, he shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men.” Franklin uses this proverb perfectly to exemplify his belief of self-reliance. He is saying that if you work hard enough, you will elevate yourself to the company of “kings” or riches, and not be in the presence of “mean men” or impoverished. In “The Way to Wealth”, Franklin uses a short excerpt from his almanac stating “God helps them that helps themselves.” Franklin once again affirms his belief in self-reliance with this quote. He is saying that we cannot solely believe God will save us from our current situation, but we must work our way out of it ourselves in order to earn his help. Franklin’s belief of self-reliance is something to be inspired by and strive towards in our own lives.
Franklin uses an array of strategies both rhetorical and literary in his style of writing in an attempt to persuade his readers. Immediately, Franklin’s humor is shown by the way he chooses to portray his message in “The Way to Wealth”. Instead of writing to us in the first person in a serious manner, Franklin chooses to use comical, fictional characters such as “Father Abraham” and “Poor Richard”. By doing this, Franklin’s rhetorical strategy is providing means to lighten his message to the readers which allows them to absorb the message in a more relaxed way. His overall message is strong and true although placed in a comical form of explanation. Immediately in the third paragraph of “The Way to Wealth”, Franklin uses his humor in the Poor Richard quote of “If you’d have my advice, I’ll give it you in short, for a word to the wise is enough, and many words won’t fill a bushel”. Here Richard is comical because he in fact does not keep his message short but instead goes on and on over the topic throughout the work. Franklin successfully illustrates his message to his audience by making it a more enjoyable read for his audience.
Comments are closed.