Johnny Tremain Allusions

Literary and Philosophical References

Biblical References

These are verses about pride that Grandpa Lapham asks Johnny to read at breakfast.

• Leviticus 26:19 (1.2.18)
• Proverbs 11:2 (1.2.20)
• Proverbs 16:18 (1.2.22)

Literary References

This is pretty much the Johnny Tremain reading list. These are the books he reads in the Lorne's library, though sadly, we never get his thoughts on them.

• John Milton, Paradise Lost (5.2.33)
• Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe (5.2.33)
• Henry Fielding, Tom Jones (5.2.33)
• John Locke, Essays on Human Understanding (5.2.33)
• Thomas Hutchinson, History of Massachusetts Bay (5.2.33)
• Chemical Essays (5.2.33) There were many collections of "Chemical Essays" published during this era. It's not clear which one Johnny is reading.
• Joseph Addison Spectator Papers (5.2.33)
• Alexander Pope, trans., The Iliad by Homer (5.2.33)

Historical References

Johnny Tremain is chock-full of historical references. See the "Summary" section and the "Characters" section for details.

Pop Culture References

Appropriately enough, the two pop culture references are both brought to us courtesy of Isannah Lapham.

• Drury Lane is a famous part of London's theater district. (4.5.32)
• Nell Gwyn was Charles II's mistress. (8.5.13)