Final answer:
Phillis Wheatley's writings are best described as formal and poetic with emotional elements, while Benjamin Franklin's tone is more analytical and scientific. Both adapt their language and tone to suit their audience and message, with Wheatley subtly critiquing through poetry and Franklin using logic and reason.
Step-by-step explanation:
In examining the writing styles of Benjamin Franklin and Phillis Wheatley, it is evident that Phillis Wheatley's tone can be seen as a mixture of formal and poetic which may contain an emotional element, particularly through her use of elegiac modes and the subtle critiques embedded in her work.
On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin's writings often exhibit a more analytical and scientific tone, in keeping with the Enlightenment period's focus on reasoning, science, and facts. Both writers, however, addressed their audiences with thoughtfulness and fairness, tailoring their language choices to their messages.
While Wheatley's poetry might not always directly criticize the institution of slavery, through a veil of formality she articulates a dual voice that serves both to remember and to critique subtly, reflecting her restrained yet powerful tone. Franklin's work often also used logic and reason to persuade and inform within the context of his various writings.