Johnny Tremain

In Johnny Tremain, similes include comparisons like "a river of blood" for British redcoats crowding Tremont Street, "jumped like a shot rabbit" for Mr. Tweedie's reaction, and "country cheeses—big...

In Johnny Tremain, similes include descriptions like ships in the harbor being "content as cows waiting to be milked," illustrating their large, peaceful presence. Another simile compares Johnny's...

Johnny Tremain follows the story of a young apprentice silversmith in Revolutionary-era Boston. Key events include Johnny's hand injury, which forces him to find new work; his involvement with the...

The book "Johnny Tremain" offers a generally accurate depiction of the American Revolution, with dramatized elements typical of historical fiction. It effectively engages readers by connecting them...

In "Johnny Tremain," the term "fagot" refers to a bundle of sticks, twigs, or branches bound together for use as fuel. This historical usage reflects the novel's setting and language from the time it...

The Whigs in Johnny Tremain are portrayed as American colonists who support independence from British rule, advocating for self-governance and freedom. In contrast, the Tories are loyal to the...

In Chapter 5 of Johnny Tremain, Johnny undergoes a significant shift in his political views, transitioning from indifference to becoming an ardent Whig. This change is prompted by his new job...

Pumpkin's old British uniform in Johnny Tremain symbolizes freedom and sacrifice. Pumpkin, a British soldier, dreams of leaving the army to work on a farm, and in exchange for helping Johnny escape...

Johnny decides to fully commit to the Patriot cause, recognizing his future involves sacrifice for freedom. Throughout the novel, Johnny evolves politically, understanding the struggle against the...

Johnny Tremain shows his devotion to his friends in a number of ways, such as carrying Isannah to the wharf when she is unwell to help her get some fresh air. He helps his country by participating in...

In "Johnny Tremain," Percy's brigade is metaphorically described as a dragon. This imagery emphasizes the brigade's disciplined and unified strength, resembling a long, powerful line of over seven...

Sam Adams argues for war to achieve complete freedom from European powers, stating that peace efforts have failed. He believes war will lead to the creation of an unprecedented nation. James Otis...

The irony of James Otis's attendance at the final Observer meeting is that, despite being excluded by fellow revolutionaries due to concerns about his mental stability, he arrives uninvited and...

A good example of where Johnny Tremain shows courage in supporting the cause of freedom is when he agrees to become a spy for the Whigs. This is a very dangerous job which takes real bravery....

Johnny's position in the Lapham household changes after a crippling accident caused by Dove's jealousy. Dove, envious of Johnny's skills and leadership, deliberately gives him a cracked crucible...

Johnny and Rab befriended Dove for two main reasons. Firstly, Dove's position working for the British could provide valuable intelligence for the Rebels, as Paul Revere suggested that a colonel's...

The settings in Esther Forbes's novel include Boston during the Revolutionary War, with key locations such as the Laphams' home, the courthouse, the Lyte mansion, and various taverns. Boston Harbor...

Rab and Grandsire Silsbee symbolize admirable American characteristics through their patriotism and dedication. Rab is depicted as a selfless patriot willing to sacrifice his life for his country,...

It was difficult for Whigs to enter and leave Boston because, following the Boston Tea Party, the British closed the port and imposed martial law. The Whigs, who supported the revolutionary movement,...

To the Boston Whigs in "Johnny Tremain," the rising sun on the Lyte family crest symbolizes British imperialism and oppression. Initially, Johnny perceives it as a symbol of wealth and power,...

Johnny's sense of solidarity with his fellow man and his emotional maturity.

Johnny agrees to deliver mail for the British soldiers because he realizes, with Rab's guidance, that he can use this position to gather intelligence beneficial to the Patriots. By delivering mail,...

The author creates suspense in the final chapters by immersing readers in the tense efforts of the colonists as the Revolutionary War begins. Key events include Rab joining the Minutemen, the risky...

Johnny declines Paul Revere's offer to buy out his contract because, despite being flattered by the attention from such a renowned silversmith, he remains loyal to the Laphams. Johnny feels indebted...

In Johnny Tremain, the British imposed a tea tax, believing it was minor and would not burden colonists, but underestimated the colonial reaction. The tax, part of broader grievances about "taxation...

In Johnny Tremain, Johnny and Pumpkin make a trade where Johnny gives Pumpkin a farmer's outfit and helps him desert the British army. In return, Pumpkin provides Johnny with a musket for the...

In "Johnny Tremain," colonists resisted English rule through various actions. They boycotted British goods, exemplified by the Stamp Act protests. The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal event where...

Johnny vows revenge on Dove because Dove deliberately gives him a cracked crucible, resulting in an accident that severely injures Johnny's hand. This injury costs Johnny his job as a silversmith and...

Mr. Lapham is depicted as a kind, pious, and somewhat absent-minded silversmith, while Mrs. Lapham is practical, hardworking, and stern, often focusing on the well-being and discipline of her...

In Chapter 6, Mr. Quincy warns Johnny not to inform James Otis about the secret meeting regarding the planned tea rebellion. Quincy's concern stems from Otis' questionable sanity, suggesting it would...

Ordinary citizens feared the Alien and Sedition Acts because they threatened First Amendment rights, particularly free speech. The Acts allowed the government to suppress dissent and imprison...

Sam Adams welcomed the British punishment for the Boston Tea Party because he believed it would incite anger against British rule and unite the American colonies. As a radical patriot, Adams sought...

Hancock assisted Johnny by initially ordering a silver sugar basin, which Johnny attempted to make, leading to a severe hand injury that ended his career as a silversmith apprentice. Desperate,...

The Lyte family returned to Boston from their country house in Milton because they were warned of an impending attack by the Sons of Liberty, who planned to tar and feather Mr. Lyte, a known Tory....

Pumpkin displays a unique perspective when he explains that he wants to desert the British army because he desires freedom and a farm of his own. Pumpkin’s character is developed by revealing his...

The most worthy ideas for literary discussion in "Johnny Tremain" include its use of point of view and foreshadowing. Johnny's evolving perspective reveals his thoughts and feelings, highlighting the...

Johnny's phrase signifies a pivotal shift from the old order to a new era marked by impending war and change. As the rebels' attitudes harden, tensions rise, forcing Loyalists like the Lytes to flee....