The Analysis of American Dream in Benjamin Franklin's The Autobiography_英语论文

摘要

富兰克林的《自传》不仅是美国第一部现代自传，还在美国文学史上有着举足轻重的地位。富兰克林在书中详细记载了他在北美的奋斗与进步，更重要的是字里行间都充斥着美国梦：追求个人成功和实现个人价值。事实上，有很多评论家将富兰克林视作是美国文学领域中承前启后的文学大家，他不仅通过他的作品影响着美国文化，同时他的个人品格、他对于成功的简单共识也对美国社会的发展有着深远的影响。这部作品让我们看到了富兰克林对于成功和美国的信心。富兰克林坚信，在这块机遇之地，只要人们有所付出并恪守美德，便可以获得成功。可以说，富兰克林在作品中所反映的当时美国社会对于梦想和成功的追求，成为了美国人宝贵的精神财富，在美国强大和繁荣的过程中，起到了巨大的作用。

本文正是从这一点切入，通过《自传》展开富兰克林对于美国梦的理解、追求和实现的全过程，以其经历阐释出该作品中所蕴含着的美国梦的内涵，并随之体现美国梦之于个体、社会和国家的构建意义。

关键词：本杰明·富兰克林 《自传》 美国梦 影响

Abstract

As the first modern autobiography in America, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin has the great importance. It describes Franklin's struggle and progress in the business and political environment in North America, and more importantly, it reflects an American dream which asks people to pursue personal success and achieve personal values. In fact, some critics regard Franklin as the litterateur who inherited past traditions and broke new grounds for the future in the American literature field. He not only affects the American culture through his works, while his personal character, his opinion on the success have a profound impact on the development of American society. The book reflects Franklin's confidence in success and the United States. He believes that a man with a high moral character and constant efforts will create miracles and accomplish his big goal. In this land of opportunities, everyone can succeed through hard work. In some ways, the pursuit of dreams and success reflected in Franklin’s book is a great treasure for Americans. Actually, it has played a big role in the America's prosperity over the years.

According to The Autobiography, this thesis expatiates on Franklin’s American and explains its connotation throughout his life experience. In the meantime, it also reflects the influence of the American Dream on individual, social and national construction.

Key Words: Benjamin Franklin; The Autobiography; American Dream; Influence

Contents

1  Introduction 1

2  Seeking the American Dream: Franklin’s Ideal 3

2.1 The Definition of American Dream 4

2.2 Benjamin Franklin’s American Dream in The Autobiography 4

3  Pursuing the American Dream: Franklin’s Struggle 7

3.1 On Study 7

3.2 On Work 9

3.3 On Life 11

4  Realizing the American Dream: Franklin’s Success 13

4.1 The Realization of Benjamin Franklin’s Individual Dream 14

4.2 The Realization of Benjamin Franklin’s Public Interest Dream 15

5  Conclusion 18

Bibliography 19

Acknowledgments 20