Benjamin Franklins Autobiography Essay - 1124 Words

In Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography, Samuel Keimer is a character who represents the antithesis of Franklin. The development of Keimer not only improves the reader’s understanding of the minor character, but also of Franklin, the major character. Franklin makes a point of showing the reader each of Keimer’s faults and contrasting them with his own merits.When Keimer is first introduced to the reader, he is in very much the same circumstances as Franklin; they are two young men trying to make a fresh start in a new town, the only difference being Keimer’s economic, and thereby social, advantage. In comparison to Franklin, however, Keimer is a flawed and immoral man; this difference is what makes him the ideal model for Franklin to†¦show more content†¦The second virtue is Silence; Franklin has many opportunities to speak libelously against others, especially against Keimer, but often chooses not to, except against certain political issues publishe d anonymously. Keimer chooses to use the scene outside of the courthouse as a medium to emphasize his superior position in their relationship; it is Keimer’s complete disregard for this value that leads to Franklin’s resignation. Keimer also has trouble with the third of Franklin’s virtues, Order, as Hugh Meredith reminds Franklin â€Å"that Keimer was in debt for all he possess’d, that his Creditors began to be uneasy, that he kept his Shop miserably, sold often without Profit for ready Money, and often trusted without keeping Account. That he must therefore fail† (BFA 44).The sixth virtue, Industry, is of tremendous importance to Franklin’s success; he states repeatedly that time should never be wasted: â€Å"I never went out a-fishing or shooting† (BFA 54). Franklin is credited with many quotes concerning lost time including â€Å"Lost time is never found again† (BFQ 310) and â€Å"Time is money† (BFQ 310). Keimer, even though he is in tremendous debt at one point, takes both Saturday and Sunday off from work at a time when the six-day workweek is standard practice. Also, as he is disconnected from the inner-workings of the printing house, Keimer is unable to keep his underpaid,Show MoreRelatedEssay Benjamin Franklins Autobiography 1120 Words   |  5 PagesIt was the year 1706 in Boston, MA when Benjamin Franklin entered the world. Birthed after fourteen other siblings, Franklins family structure is only one deciding factor in the way that this legendary tale pans out. A hero of American Revolution, this novel depicts 18th century realism accurately while logging Franklins personal conception on human nature and social community. 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