This autobiography was written in the first person, from first point of view, as a letter that Franklin wrote to his son William. Because of the fact that this book was written by Benjamin Franklin and about Benjamin Franklin, I believed everything that was said but what I disliked he writes in it Franklin wasn't able to complete this book and how he didn't spend more time on discussing his major philosophies. .
The main thesis of this book is the hardship that Franklin was faced with and how he grew up to become the man that he did. I believe that the one sentence that deals with the theme of this autobiography is a quote of something that Franklin once said; "I cannot boast of much Success in acquiring the Reality of this Virtue; but I had a good deal with regard to the Appearance of it." Concerning the belief that working hard will help him to achieve his goals, Franklin also states, "If you work hard you will lead a fulfilling life." A third quote from Franklin's autobiography, that states the importance he placed on hard work as away to achieve success is; "Industry, Lose no time.-Be always employ'd in something useful.-Cut off all unnecessary Actions." This shows how Franklin wasn't the type of person who waited for something to happen but worked hard to achieve his goals. .
Through reading this autobiography I have found three major themes that Franklin may have written this biography to express. Even though this book was published for everyone to read and enjoy, this first and main theme of the autobiography was intended for Franklin's son William to whom Franklin dedicated the book. .
Franklin sets out to presents a narrative of his life for his family with anecdotes that show why and to some degree how one should aim to be a virtuous person. Some of his examples are chastity, through the story of losing a friendship by pursuing his friend's wife, and frugality, seen in the stories of his indebtedness, while others were more positive, like his first major accomplishment, which I think was founding the Philadelphia subscription library.