Literary Criticism Reflection

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin reflects an altering time period. This alteration did not only take place in government, it also altered the literary community and the economy. This change strongly conveys Rationalism and the disassociation from the mother country. Franklin wrote his autobiography in a narrative, yet entertaining style. Contemporary ideals and langauge were depicted throughout the prominent piece. J.A. Leo Lemay, author of Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream, stated that Franklin was "incomparably the greatest letter writer." This statement strongly reflects common opinions toward the remarkable author. Franklin, being a prominent figure in the development of the United States, used literature to persuade his audience. His thirteen virtues remain significant in the contemporary society. Remarks are often made in regards to the set of virtues.
Lemay describes The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin as one of the single most influential novels of all time. This statement is quite strong when comparing to a vast array of literary pieces. Franklins prominence is quite significant, but I believe this particular piece can be somewhat overrated. Lemay believes the piece offers "definitive formulation of the American Dream." The American Dream, as simply described by Lemay, is the rise from rags to riches. Franklin's pieces simply conveys this rise. Franklin was quite popular in early America. He often wrote about American subjects. These subjects often entailed economics, government, and social aspects of society. I believe Franklin's popularity was partly due to Rationalism. With the rise of Rationalist pieces, many Americans discovered a new form of literature and thinking. This new form allowed many Americans to embrace the developing country. Franklin, being a worthy author, used his literary pieces to persuade new ideals onto Americans. With his undoubtedly altering inventions, Franklin displayed his strong passion toward the developing society.
I do not entirely agree with Lemay's critique. Although Franklin was quite significant, I do not believe his work should be so romanticized. Franklin used a more contemporary writing style, but I believe his work was a bit overrated. Rationalism was not completely displayed through Benjamin Franklin. Various authors used this new style of writing in response to the altering society. Lemay uses to much positivity in his critique. I believe Franklin's work should be commended, but to say outright say that Franklin is "incomparably the greatest letter writer" is quite incomprehensible. I believe much more writers should fall into this narrow category. Franklin was a respectable, yet inspiring writer, but I do not agree with Lemay's statement. The response is too biased and direct. Lemay could have possibly described Franklin as a magnificent and influential writer. A statement similar to that would be more respectable and appropriate in comparison to the broad literary community. Franklin was an inspiration American writer, but his topics mainly entailed the birth and development of the United States. His pieces could also get a bit redundant after sometime. This redundancy is due to Franklin's narrow and biased pieces.
In retrospect, I believe Franklin was a very commendable author and inventor, but I believe Lemay's critique is too narrow and divided. There could be much more to say about other influential authors in this time period. My response toward the critique is strong. I believe Lemay could have executed it much better.


Lemay, J.A. Leo. "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." InThe Renaissance Man in the Eighteenth Century. Los Angeles: William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 1978. Quoted as "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." in Bloom, Harold, ed. The American Dream, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea Publishing House, 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= BLTTAD005&SingleRecord=True (accessed October 16, 2010).