Ben Franklin 2

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he could think of no "more efficacious advertisement (56)" of America than Franklin's history. "All that has happened to you is also connected with the detail of the manners and situation of a rising people (56)," he replied to Franklin. It is obvious that when Franklin resumed writing his story, he did so knowing that his story would serve as an example for Americans and as an advertisement to the rest of the world. He wrote his autobiography in full self-consciousness that he was offering himself as a representative of the American citizen. Just as America had succeeded in creating and forming a nation, Franklin was successful in showing how an American went about creating his own character. Instead of being a personal account of his past for his son, Franklin's autobiography became a model for those who wished to fulfill the rags to riches American Dream.
He was successful in fulfilling the image that his public wanted him to play. Following James' and Vaughan's letters, ...

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because Franklin's Autobiography paints a picture of a penniless boy without the assistance of his family, walking down the streets with two large rolls under his arms, who ends up helping to create a new nation. It is about the formation of the character that makes success possible. The purpose of the Autobiography is to show the making of a character in hopes of serving as an example to the American community. Franklin describes that he has "raised himself (2)" and challenges the normal American citizen to follow his steps that will undoubtedly lead to a path of success, honor, and respect.
Throughout his autobiography, Franklin insists on distinguishing between appearance and reality, ...

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