The American Dream

Benjamin Franklin’s views as an American colonist begin to evolve into ones with greater American identity and pride. This transition was slightly evident in Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia, but Franklin reinforces this sense of American identity. Franklin’s autobiography presents his narrative and experiences of his rise from poverty to wealth and status in the American society. He describes this experience in the very beginning of his autobiography: “Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world…my posterity may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own situations, and therefore fit to be imitated” (5). Jefferson and Franklin were both motivated to give positive accounts on their experiences in America in order to prove to the other European nations, especially the British, that America had industrial capabilities and to establish America as a growing nation. Yet, the difference between Franklin and Jefferson’s accounts is that Franklin is not simply trying to win over the acceptance of the British for America as a nation, but he is strongly encouraging incoming settlers, especially the youth, to take part in this history of a growing nation. In the second part of Franklin’s autobiography he states why he is writing his accounts: “ “. Franklin desires to create a “future of great men” who will be educated, motivated, and wise in order to lead the nation. This part of the autobiography reflects an advertisement in which the youth are inspired to follow and become a part of the American Dream. To become more persuasive Franklin’s friend, Mr. Benjamin Vaughn, employs the use of diction in describing the endless possibilities in America. By supporting these descriptions with evidence of Franklin’s own experiences, Vaughn inspires hope among the desperate in attaining the American Dream.
“I do not know of a more efficacious advertisement than your biography would give” (72). Mr. Vaughn realizes the strength and motivation behind Franklin’s experiences that could inspire a revolution and motivate the people of America to stand firm in their split from their mother country, Great Britain. To Mr. Vaughn, Franklin is an image of the “rising people” who are the leaders of a rising nation. To create a strong nation effectively the target audience is young men who will not merely be educated, but will be educated to be wise. Not only does Mr. Vaughn emphasize educating the youth, but more specifically he desires to see a nation, much like Franklin, that uses discretion in all areas of life. “It will be so far a sort of key to life…to give them a chance of becoming wise by foresight” (74). Vaughn attempts to illustrate how the American nation will rise to power by strengthening the pillars of the nation, which are its people. Yet, his letter not only emphasizes the importance of building a nation with strong people, but it also is inspiring for young men to become a part of this revolution. “What more worthy of experiments and system than human life?” (74). He gives the impression that not only are there endless possibilities in America, but he implies that by taking risks with your own life you cannot lose because there are so many opportunities to fulfill your dreams. What is most inspiring about Vaughn’s letter is that by using Franklin’s account of how he rose from poverty to becoming one of the nation’s leaders he is able to reach a wide audience. He is inspiring all those, no matter of their origin, to be able to see men such as Franklin and know that whatever struggles they have endured in life do not matter because happiness and greatness are a part of the American future. Vaughn uses repetition of the words simple and importance in alluding to his audience. He implies his intentions for using Franklin as an account of American greatness when he states: “your affairs and management will have an air of simplicity or importance that will not fail to strike” (74). In that statement he is alluding to the success of Franklin and the other founding fathers in persuading the British of America, yet he attempts to create a sense of simplicity among the youth as well when he states: “the means are as simple as wisdom could make them” (74). The theme of the American dream will become the motivating factor in bringing settlers to America, and Franklin’s autobiography will become one of the sources of inspiration.