Similarities Between Frederick Douglass And Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass wrote their autobiographies both during pivotal moments in history. Both men strive to, not only share the experiences of their lives, but also create a profound impact on society. They are particularly concerned with public impression, both have very specific goals, and both have limitations in achieving these goals, either by circumstance or vice. Although, from a broad point of view they have these similar intentions, they represent two very different aspects of the early American experience, and ultimately have little in common. Franklin, seeks to show men how to become exemplary citizens, and Americans, in a country coming into it’s own identity, whereas Douglass, endeavors to show a young nation,

After some time, his friend, Benjamin Vaughan urges him to complete the autobiography. Vaughan cites many reasons for its completion, among them is, to represent a young country in a way other men with less reputation could not, also for his connection with an increasingly independent people, and most importantly he states, “for the forming of future men; and in conjunction with [his] art of virtue…” (Franklin 72). What follows from this encouragement, is less a personal narrative, and more a philosophy on how to become an ideal man in society, through hard work and self-cultivation. Franklin’s early passion for reading develop and shape his life as a young adult, and influence the formation, and importance placed on a public persona. He mentions his early affection for reading , “My early Readiness in learning to read (which must have been very early, as I do not remember when I could not read),” leads to a more advanced ability to study philosophy as a young man, including that of Socrates (Franklin 8). This develops his skills in debate, encouraging him to abandon “abrupt Contradiction, and positive Argumentation, and put on the humble Inquirer & Doubter…” (Franklin

This standard is ultimately determined by white abolitionists, who often help write and edit for illiterate free slaves. Franklin Douglass resolves to write his narrative entirely on his own, perhaps to prove it is possible to succeed, without the help of white men. Although, white abolitionists like Lloyd Garrison want to help slaves, they seem to need an authority over the movement and have a seemingly underlying boastful intention. Douglass eludes to this when he mentions the underground railroad, “I have never approved of the very public manner in which some of our Western friends have conducted what they call the underground railroad, but which, I think, by their open declarations, has been made the upperground railroad” (Douglass 96). Lloyd Garrison, still insists on lending Douglass credibility, by prefacing the narrative with a letter