Ryan Phillips
English 2327
Dr. Barbara Lewis
3/4/15
Paper Number 1: Prose
(Title)
This paper will analyze the work of Benjamin Franklin in his essay titled “Those Who Would Remove to North America”. In this composition Franklin addresses his view of the opportunity in America and what it can bring to people such as prosperity and a new beginning. He views the United States as country where everyone is created equal and given the opportunity to succeed in life. However he also goes on to say that many people in Europe have false interpretations on what will be given to them if they migrate to this country. He states that many people from Europe think that they will instantly become rich if they come to America, however in his work he says that there are few poor people in America but there are also very few rich people, “few people so miserable as the Poor of Europe, there are also very few that in Europe that would be called rich; it is a rather Mediocrity that prevails” (pg. 471) Franklin states that these should not be the expectations of those coming to America but that they should view it as an opportunity where if they work hard they can provide themselves and their families with a better life. This paper will focus on the central idea, the origin of Benjamin’s view, and the tone of this essay.
The central idea of this piece of work is that Benjamin Franklin is attempting to clarify to the people of Europe on the endless rumors about America being the land of dreams and fantasy. At this time the people in Europe had many false perceptions about America and the people that lived there. Additionally there were a few specific rumors that
