Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos

The version of Benjamin Franklin created by Robert Lawson overlaps with the real historical figure, though Ben, the character, is vastly different from Franklin. Franklin’s interest in printing, his reputation as an accomplished diplomat, and his significant role in the American Revolution are all reflected in Ben. However, the qualities that comprise Ben’s character—a comical amalgam of flaws revealed in unexpectedly funny images—are at odds with the real Franklin, or, at least, the man people believe to be the real Franklin. This discrepancy is reflected in Amos’s mockery of Ben whenever he behaves in a manner that contradicts his public persona.

Franklin became a printer’s apprentice because he loved to read, and this interest, and many more facts from Franklin’s life, are reflected in Amos’s descriptions of Ben. Ben feels, for example, that “THE DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE [is] MAN’S HIGHEST CALLING” (30). Franklin’s penchant for dispensing wisdom emerged early when he created “Silence Dogood,” a fictional widow who wrote letters containing life advice and social criticism to the newspaper. Ben’s predilection for offering his “wisdom” in the form of maxims is highlighted by Amos, who repeatedly casts doubt on their applicability and truthfulness and suggests that one-liners cannot contain real wisdom, however pithy or memorable. Ben’s assistance in writing the Declaration of Independence and his publication of Poor Richard’s Almanack are other accomplishments he shares with Franklin. “What distinguished Franklin’s almanac were his witty aphorisms and lively writing. Many of the famous phrases associated with Franklin, such as, ‘A penny saved is a penny earned,’ come from Poor Richard” (“A Quick Biography of Ben Franklin.” USHistory.org). These aphorisms, however, are a point of contention between Amos and Ben, who is often compelled to agree that they aren’t as wise as they seem. In the book, as in real life, Franklin made his home in Philadelphia, and this is where Amos finds Ben.

Though Franklin’s enjoyment of all life has to offer—including alcohol, rich food, and sex—is cited by many biographers, most agree that “Franklin carefully considered most everything he did […] and could serve as a posterboy for the Platonic notion that ‘the life which is unexamined is not worth living.’ Whether it came to questions of philosophy or norms of social behavior, Franklin carefully examined pros and cons, costs and benefits” (“American Philosophical Society.” USHistory.org). In short, Franklin is known for being reasonable, logical, and thoughtful, qualities notably absent from Amos’s portrayal of Ben. Ben is unwise, which he admits when he hypothesizes what would happen to him if he actually “lived by the maxim” (31) regarding going to bed and rising early. Amos also describes Ben as “never [having] his wits about him,” appearing “ludicrous and bedraggled,” and generally being “just plain dull” (19, 25, 13). Franklin’s autobiography, on the other hand, emphasizes his lofty philosophical pursuits, his contributions to the founding of the new United States, and his role in early American politics. Moreover, according to one biographer, “Franklin made several other scientific discoveries that had practical benefits for humankind” (“Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.” SuperSummary). In his day, many considered him the “world’s best scientist,” a reputation Amos’s narrative supports, though Ben’s innovation is often inspired by Amos’s stories and suggestions.