How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
His ability made him semi-sacred. He knew his power and reveled in it. (1.1.36)
Johnny is the boss of all things in the Lapham household, and it has gone to his head. Of course, as we find out, Johnny is the one whose ability and work ethic keep them all from starving, so maybe his pride is partly justified. In what ways could he use his natural pride to improve relationships with his fellow apprentices?
Quote #2
"There goes that wonderful Johnny Tremain."
Isannah took her cue, already so excited she was jumping up and down.
"Johnny worth-his-weight-in-gold Tremain."
"If you don't think he is wonderful—ask him, Isannah."
"Oh, just how wonderful are you, Johnny?
Johnny said nothing, stood there and grinned.
The two youngest Laphams were always insulting him, not only about how smart he was, but how smart he thought he was. (1.1.41-47)
Cilla and Isannah are playfully insulting Johnny, but this is one of those cases of it's-funny-cause-it's-true. Cilla totally has Johnny's number and works on not letting Johnny get too big for his britches. Does her teasing make you like Johnny more or less?
Quote #3
Mr. Lapham was always telling him to give God thanks who had seen fit to make him so good an artisan—not to take it out in lording it over the other boys. That was one of the things Johnny "did not let bother him much." (1.1.56)
Johnny doesn't really listen to his master's thoughts on much, and we can't say we blame him since Mr. Lapham appears to have voluntarily checked out of the world. Why does Johnny lord his ability over the others? Or does he? What do you think of his behavior toward Dove and Dusty?