Kevin Cho Franklin Response

Franklin's memoir is a well structured story that flows fluently. His use of humor, in particular, makes the reading more interesting. For example, Franklin tells a story of how his friend, Collins, stubbornly refuses to row during his turn and “[swears] he would make me row, or throw me overboard” (34). In response, Franklin throws him over the board into the river and whimsically adds “I knew he was a good swimmer” (34). Adding occasional humor like this allows the story to flow fluently and illuminates his ability to describe rough situations with a sense of humor. Another characteristics that makes this memoir popular is his honesty. On page 26, he reveals that he pays the people of the boat because a man can sometimes be “more generous when he has but a little money than when he has plenty, perhaps thro' fear of being thought to have but little.” (26). Because of his veracity, the reader can truly see what Franklin was thinking and understand his actions. Among many qualities, his use of humor and candid writing help make this one of the most frequently read autobiographies in the US.