Question
Here is the question : UNDER WHAT NAME DID 16-YEAR-OLD BEN FRANKLIN SUBMIT TO A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- O. Henry
- Mrs. Silence Dogood
- Ann Landers
- Mrs. Doubtfire
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
In the 1720s, Ben Franklin used the pen name ‘Mrs. Silence Dogood’ to send a number of writings to his brother’s newspaper, the ‘New England Courant.’ In his pieces, he posed as a fictitious widow, sharing her thoughts on topics ranging from marriage to current affairs and religion. After receiving numerous marriage proposals from eager bachelors, Franklin was forced to identify himself to the public.
In the annals of literary history, there are often tales of young prodigies who captivate the world with their creative genius. One such prodigy was none other than Benjamin Franklin, a name synonymous with American ingenuity and intellectual prowess. At the tender age of 16, Franklin embarked on a literary adventure, submitting witty and thought-provoking essays to a weekly newspaper. However, what set Franklin apart was the name under which he chose to publish his works—the enigmatic pseudonym of Mrs. Silence Dogood. Join us as we unravel the story behind this curious alias and explore the impact it had on Franklin’s literary journey.
It was in 1722 that young Benjamin Franklin, a teenager with a thirst for knowledge and a penchant for writing, found an opportunity to showcase his literary talents. His older brother James Franklin, the printer of the New England Courant, invited young Benjamin to contribute to the newspaper. Eager to seize this chance, Benjamin decided to adopt a disguise—an alter ego that would allow him to express his opinions freely without the constraints of his age and societal expectations.
Under the guise of Mrs. Silence Dogood, Franklin embarked on a literary escapade that would capture the imagination of readers and leave a lasting impression on the world of journalism. Mrs. Silence Dogood was presented as a middle-aged widow who possessed a sharp wit, a keen eye for social commentary, and a distinctive voice that resonated with readers. Through this fictional persona, Franklin unleashed his satirical and insightful observations on a wide range of topics, including politics, religion, and societal norms.
Franklin’s essays as Mrs. Silence Dogood were a resounding success. They were met with widespread acclaim, capturing the attention of readers who marveled at the wisdom and maturity of the supposed widow’s words. The essays were cleverly crafted, blending humor, wit, and astute observations in a manner that made them both entertaining and thought-provoking. Mrs. Silence Dogood became a beloved and respected figure in the literary circles of Boston, with readers eagerly anticipating each new installment.
However, it was not long before the true identity of Mrs. Silence Dogood was revealed. James Franklin, unaware that his own brother was behind the pseudonym, discovered the secret when Benjamin accidentally left a draft of one of the essays in his handwriting. Despite the initial shock and confusion, James recognized Benjamin’s talent and continued to publish his contributions under his own name.
The experience of writing as Mrs. Silence Dogood had a profound impact on Benjamin Franklin’s literary development. It allowed him to explore his creative abilities, experiment with different writing styles, and develop his unique voice. Franklin’s time as Mrs. Silence Dogood also served as a catalyst for his later achievements as an author, journalist, and publisher.
Even after the revelation of his true identity, Franklin’s pen name became a symbol of his early literary triumphs. It represented his audacity in challenging societal norms and his ability to captivate audiences through his words. The pseudonym of Mrs. Silence Dogood became a testament to Franklin’s ingenuity and his willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of his passions.
the enigmatic pseudonym of Mrs. Silence Dogood provided a young Benjamin Franklin with a platform to express his opinions and showcase his literary talent. Under this fictional persona, Franklin captivated readers with his essays, offering astute observations and satirical commentary on the world around him. The experience of writing as Mrs. Silence Dogood not only launched Franklin’s literary career but also served as a stepping stone for his future achievements as a renowned author, inventor, and statesman. The name Mrs. Silence Dogood remains a testament to Franklin’s early creativity and the enduring impact of his literary contributions on American history.