AFTERWORD

Chapter 3

CHAPTER FIVE: Public Citizen: Philadelphia, 1731–1748

Overview

Franklin apprentices at Keimer's print shop in Philadelphia, befriends the governor who promises patronage, travels to London in search of fortune, works at major printing houses, and returns to America with a practical plan for moral conduct and success. The chapter traces his formative years from age 17 to 20, establishing patterns of charm, rationality, and self-improvement that will define his life.

Summary

Franklin arrives in Philadelphia in 1723 with minimal funds but considerable charm. He lodges with John Read and works for Samuel Keimer, an eccentric printer with whom he debates philosophy. Governor Sir William Keith takes interest in the promising young tradesman and offers to help him establish his own printing business, even promising letters of credit for a voyage to London to procure equipment. Franklin courts Deborah Read, the landlord's daughter, before departing. In London (1724–1726), Franklin discovers Keith provided no letters of credit—the governor was simply unreliable. He takes work at Samuel Palmer's printing house and later at John Watts's larger operation, earning respect for his temperance and wit. His friendship with the aspiring poet James Ralph sours when Franklin seduces Ralph's mistress; Ralph refuses to repay his debts. Franklin develops an early philosophical tract, "A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain," which argues against Calvinist predestination in favor of deism, though he later concludes that practical religious morality—not pure freethinking—benefits society. Meeting the merchant Thomas Denham on his voyage to London proves formative; Denham's integrity contrasts sharply with the flighty characters (Keith, Collins, Ralph) who had disappointed Franklin. Denham offers Franklin passage home and employment as a clerk. During his return voyage in 1726, the 20-year-old Franklin reflects on his errors and drafts a "Plan for Future Conduct" emphasizing frugality, truthfulness, industry, and speaking ill of no one. He observes human nature keenly, noting that solitude is unbearable and that truth has an intrinsic luster that cannot be counterfeited. He returns to Philadelphia with scientific curiosity, practical wisdom, and a clearer sense of community as his home.

Characters

  • Benjamin FranklinThe protagonist; a 17–20-year-old runaway apprentice who becomes a promising young tradesman and printer, demonstrates charm and rationality, travels to London, and develops his philosophy of practical morality and self-improvement.
  • Samuel KeimerFranklin's first employer in Philadelphia; an eccentric, disheveled printer with whom Franklin debates philosophy and briefly attempts to establish a religious sect.
  • Governor Sir William KeithPennsylvania's well-meaning but unreliable governor who befriends Franklin, lavishes him with attention and promises of patronage, offers to fund his printing venture, but ultimately provides no letters of credit.
  • Deborah ReadDaughter of Franklin's landlord John Read; Franklin courts her before departing for London, and she agrees to wait for his return, though he largely ignores her during his absence.
  • James RalphA literary but unreliable young poet and Franklin's close friend in Philadelphia and London; he follows Franklin to England, borrows money from him, seduces a milliner, and eventually breaks their friendship over Franklin's own seduction of the woman.
  • Thomas DenhamA reputable Quaker merchant who befriends Franklin aboard his ship to London, counsels him against romantic ventures, and later offers him employment and passage back to America.
  • John CollinsFranklin's old friend from Boston who follows him to Philadelphia but becomes a drunkard, quarrels with Franklin in a boat incident, and eventually departs for Barbados without repaying debts.
  • James FranklinBenjamin's older brother, a printer in Boston whose print shop Benjamin visits upon returning from Philadelphia; Benjamin's proud display of wealth offends him.
  • Cotton MatherThe Boston minister and antagonist of the Courant; he forgives young Franklin and offers him advice about pride, warning him to 'stoop' lest he suffer 'hard thumps.'
  • Andrew BradfordA Philadelphia printer introduced to Franklin by his father William; he has no immediate work for Franklin but directs him to Keimer.
  • William BradfordA New York printer who encounters the young runaway Franklin and refers him to his son Andrew in Philadelphia.
  • John ReadFranklin's landlord in Philadelphia and father of Deborah Read; he provides lodging for Franklin.
  • Sir Hans SloaneSecretary of the Royal Society whom Franklin contacts in London regarding an asbestos purse; he purchases the item and becomes an acquaintance.
  • WygateA fellow young printer in London with whom Franklin shares swimming lessons and who proposes traveling Europe together as journeymen printers.
  • Josiah FranklinBenjamin's father; he initially refuses to fund his son's printing venture but blesses his return to Philadelphia and promises future support if Benjamin demonstrates steady industry.