What struck me when reading Frederick Douglass’ narrative were the differences that could be contrasted between his work and life and that as described in Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography. In class, Avery commented on one of the most noticeable differences he saw between the two works lay in the authors purpose for writing them. Between both pieces, similarities in themes can be found, but the social classes of the two men largely influenced their lives and writings and purpose. Benjamin Franklin wrote to impart wisdom, to share what he deemed a humble upbringing as the new American way with prosperity being an achievable prospect for anyone who worked hard enough. Franklin’s writing is filled with what he fancies as worthwhile tidbits of advice to the common man, much in style to his writing of Poor Richard’s Almanac. Franklin is accustomed by the time his autobiography is published to being generally well known and revered, so he has lost much of his humility, even in his writing. In contrast, Douglass is not so famous when he publishes his narrative, and even though he is known among the abolitionist community, he is trying to prove himself. The whole reason for his writing is the prove his experience, versus the purpose of boasting his experience as Franklin did. Douglass’ advice comes not as add-ons or proverbs, but are embedded directly in his descriptions of his life, not with the ulterior motive of influence. Lily suggested in class, that some of Douglass’ narrative, in particular descriptions of his wife and marriage are passages that could potentially be taken out of context today and quoted without reference to slavery. She wondered if this is something that Douglass would approve of, parts of his work not being used for their intended overall purpose. Franklin’s work begs to be dissected and uses in pieces of information, but Douglass’ is a work in it’s entirety, written to demonstrate experience, legitimacy, and atrocity.