TOW #13: The First Silence Dogood Letter- Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, an extremely influencial figure in American history, contributed in a multitude of ways to the American society and country in ways many of its citizens are now familiar with.  However, many are not familiar with a series of letters the same Benjamin Franklin wrote to a popular newspaper where he worked, the New-England Courant, under another name: Silence Dogood.  Familiar with the people in control of this paper, his brothers, Franklin fashioned his first letter to both impress and drive them to publish his letters with the use of formal tone and allusion to his past.

            Franklin’s use of a formal tone was purposeful as it made his alternate identity, Dogood, sound like an educated person. Within the letter he writes, “ that the reader may not be at loss to judge whether or no my lubrications are worth his reading” (Dogood, 1). If Franklin were to be published as intended, he would need to seem intelligent for no publisher would publish a non-credible source. By writing with such a formal tone and diction, he displays that he is indeed educated and thus is credible. Additionally in this sentence, he displays that he wants people to “know” who he is, and would like to respectfully inform them. By formally addressing his letter “sir,” Franklin displays that Dogood is indeed a respectable person and acknowledges his respect to the publishers of the New-England Courant. Addressing his audience with such respect and flattery draws them to Dogood, and thus the formal tone increases the chance of Dogood getting published.

            Franklin is keenly aware that before publish; his brothers may be interested in learning something about Dogood. To address this, he proceeds to inform them about his “past” and establish credibility.  Franklin tells the publishers, and the people whom would read the letter in the paper that he, or she, spent most of his time,” with the best of company, books”(Dogood, 1). By implying the vast knowledge education had brought to Dogood, Franklin is able to create a persona as Dogood, establish credibility with his “past”, and draw the audience interest as to whom he is and what Dogood has to say.

            Through the first Silence Dogood letter, Franklin is successfully able to accomplish his getting published in the New-England Courant and impress all those who either published or read it. 

The First Silence Dogood Letter

The New England Courant
http://teachhistory.com/2010/01/13/young-ben-franklin-and-the-silence-dogood-letters/