Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin valued clarity and coherence as paramount qualities of good prose, enabling straightforward comprehension and logical flow. Additionally, rhetorical effectiveness and purposefulness in addressing audience needs contribute to the merit of prose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Franklin's View on Good Prose
Benjamin Franklin, although not explicitly mentioned in the reference text, is renowned for his views on writing and prose. When analyzing what constitutes good prose, Franklin might have emphasized clarity and coherence as the most important characteristics.
Good prose should facilitate comprehension and should have a logical flow that readers can easily follow. Clarity ensures that the meaning is straightforward and not obscured by convoluted sentences or vocabulary. Coherence allows for the smooth transition between ideas and sections, maintaining the reader's engagement and understanding.
In addition, good prose often reflects the author's intent in a rhetorically effective way, meeting or challenging conventional expectations. This involves the use of rhetorical devices, syntax, and diction to shape the text's mood, tone, and overall message.
Ultimately, Franklin would likely agree that the purposefulness of prose—addressing the needs of the audience and advancing the argument or narrative—is key to its lasting value.