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Benjamin Frankin's Epitaphs
The initial epitaph written by the young Benjamin Franklin is strong and determined. It could even be said that it is dramatic: "the body of," "food for worms" -- it strives to make a strong impression on the reader and shows the determination of the writer for his person to be remembered even after death. The length, content and formulation of the first reveal the spirit and energy of a young person, whereas the second epitaph is plain, revealing an older and tired person.
The first author, the young Franklin, has a romanticized view of death as an event which will guarantee drama and the remembrance of the individual. It could even be said that he impatiently awaits for his death as a moment in time when his work will be even more cherished due to the passing of its creator. The second writer on the other hand, the older Franklin, is tired and no longer reveals energy. He does perceive his death as a dramatic and theatrical event which will generate social turmoil, but sees it as a natural step in the evolution of mankind; he is resigned in front of death and awaits it with patience.
The length of the second epitaph and its lack of informative inclusions reveal a man who is aware of his life's work and believes that his name does not require additional explanations. Finally, the burial place next to his wife is a gesture of respect for his family, which reveals that behind the strong man stood a strong woman who inspired and supported his aspirations, goals and efforts. At the end of the day, he returns home to her. At the end of his life, he will rest next to her.
Another version of an epitaph could be a simple mentioning that Benjamin Franklin was a "Founding Father and much more," suggesting that he is mostly recognized for the role played in the formation of the independent American state, but he has also made contributions in other fields.
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References:
2009, Tombstone Generator, http://www.jjchandler.com/tombstone / last accessed on September 22, 2009
Benjamin Franklin's Epitaphs, the Franklin Institute, http://sln.fi.edu/franklin/timeline/epitaph.html last accessed on September 22, 2009
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