The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · Chapter
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin explained
Benjamin Franklin recounts his early life, his apprenticeship to his brother James, his self-education in writing, his escape to Philadelphia, and his early career as a printer.
What happens
Benjamin Franklin recounts his early life, his apprenticeship to his brother James, his self-education in writing, his escape to Philadelphia, and his early career as a printer. He describes his moral and practical development, his founding of the Junto, and his establishment of the first subscription library in America.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Improvement and Moral Perfection
Franklin's systematic efforts to improve his writing, character, and knowledge through deliberate practice and reflection.
Industry and Frugality
Franklin's emphasis on hard work, thrift, and efficient use of time as keys to success.
Characters to notice
- Benjamin Franklin
The author and protagonist, reflecting on his youth and early career.
- Josiah Franklin
Benjamin's father, who advised him on practical wisdom and moral conduct.
- James Franklin
Benjamin's older brother, to whom he was apprenticed as a printer.
- Deborah Read
Franklin's future wife, whom he met shortly after arriving in Philadelphia.
- Sir William Keith
Governor of Pennsylvania who deceived Franklin with false promises of patronage.
Key passages
“I was put to the grammar-school at eight years of age, my father intending to devote me, as the tithe of his sons, to the service of the church.”
At age eight, Franklin was sent to grammar school because his father planned to dedicate him to the clergy.
Franklin's early education was intended for a religious career, but financial constraints changed his path.
“From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books.”
Franklin loved reading as a child and spent all his pocket money on books.
This early habit of reading and self-education shaped Franklin's lifelong intellectual pursuits.
“I took to working in printing-house, and was a diligent boy; but my brother was passionate, and had often beaten me, which I took extremely amiss.”
Franklin worked hard in his brother's print shop, but James's frequent beatings caused resentment.
The harsh treatment from his brother contributed to Franklin's decision to run away to Philadelphia.
“I resolved to try my fortune in Philadelphia, and to set out accordingly.”
Franklin decided to seek his fortune in Philadelphia and began his journey there.
This decision marked a turning point in Franklin's life, leading to his eventual success.
“I was scarce fifteen, when, after having made some progress in my brother's art, I wrote a bold, but probably a foolish, piece of poetry.”
At about fifteen, Franklin wrote a bold but likely foolish poem after learning some of his brother's trade.
Franklin's early attempts at writing poetry were part of his self-education in composition.