Question

                    Benjamin Franklin

                 by Nathaniel Hawthorne

1 - In the year 1716, or about that period, a boy used to be seen in the streets of Boston who was known among his schoolfellows and playmates by the name of Ben Franklin. Ben was born in 1706; so that he was now about ten years old. His father, who had come over from England, was a soap-boiler and tallow-chandler, and resided in Milk Street, not far from the Old South Church.

 

2 - Ben was a bright boy at his book, and even a brighter one when at play with his comrades. He had some remarkable qualities which always seemed to give him the lead, whether at sport or in more serious matters. I might tell you a number of amusing anecdotes about him. You are acquainted, I suppose, with his famous story of the WHISTLE, and how he bought it with a whole pocketful of coppers, and afterwards repented of his bargain. But Ben had grown a great boy since those days, and had gained wisdom by experience; for it was one of his peculiarities, that no incident ever happened to him without teaching him some valuable lesson. Thus he generally profited more by his misfortunes, than many people do by the most favorable events that could befall them.

 

 

What is Hawthorne's purpose in the following passage from his biography of Franklin?

 

Sec. 2: I might tell you a number of amusing anecdotes about him.

A. Hawthorne is preparing to give us a list of Franklin's ancestors.

B. Hawthorne is sharing his own philosophical thoughts about the deep meanings of life.

C. Hawthorne is helping his readers relate to Franklin as a boy by telling "amusing" stories about him.