Ben+Franklin

"The Whistle" By: Benjamin Franklin Summary: "The Whistle," a parable is written by the opinion of Benjamin Franklin. The story starts with Franklin telling his past experience from his youth. After entering a toyshop, he bought a whistle for what he thought was a great bargain. The whistle gave him much joy, but his family was not as **lucky, the**y received only ringing to the ears. Soon Franklin's joy and prize possession became an upsetting act and bad decision, due to his family explaining his bargain was not as spectacular as he was making it out to be. Franklin had still paid four times as much it was worth. Taking this experience as a life lesson, he started to question himself before buying e**very day** items. In the short story he presents that he understands the value of objects, time, and money as he critiques **others** actions metaphorically, and comparing them with the whistle. It symbolizes bad decisions, such as his, that he deliberately identifies. One will actually "suffer less evil" if they worry less about the diminutive facets in life. Also, the buying of trinkets and knickknacks, are not the keys to an enjoyable life. The useless "whistles" are being mistakenly replaced by thinking they have sentimental value. There is no reason to impress someone **with objects, just be you** and stop trying to change.

Correlation:

"... when I was tempted to buy something unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Don't give too much for the whistle; and I saved my money." page 1 "In short, I conceive that great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by the false estimates they have made of the value of things, and by their giving too much for their whistles." page 2 In "The Whistle," Franklin describes the meaning of life and how the use of unessential objects do not create happiness. If something is unnecessary or too expensive, there is no need to buy it. It was interesting to read this because I was brought up in a similar way. My parents always told me to save my money and only buy what's needed, and it's totally true. Why buy three unnecessary objects, if one can use that money to buy something that can be put to good use? It's amazing how some people don't understand, including the many who are at an older age.

"He pays indeed, said I, too much for his whistle." page 2 "... What a pity, say I, that she should pay so much for a whistle." page 2 Franklin uses symbolism in the parable to describe his thinking. After every small passage within the story, he uses the term "whistle" referring to his past. The "whistle" in his life, he believed, was his poor decision after he bought it and wasted his good, hard earned money. He also uses "whistle" metaphorically. He's comparing the two stories and relating them together.

"You ask what I mean? You love stories, and will excuse me for telling one myself." page 1 "As I..." page 1 "When I met..." page 2 __Benjamin Franklin, the author of "The Whistle," is known for writing nonfiction stories. He continues to follow that theme again, with this story. The beginning of the story is set up like a memoir, but then twists around as he tells about other people's experiences. He writes it in the perspective of himself, which adds emphasis.__ **Nicely said**

Reflection: "The Whistle" has a good plot with an outstanding purpose. A life lesson is **imbedded** within in the story and it's not hard to figure out. His use of symbolism puts the parable into perspective with how he's trying to relate it with everyday life. Although it is pretty self explanatory, at some points it gets a little confusing. But if you keep reading, it becomes better to understand and comprehend.