“Looking to Friends”
“The miserable hath no other
medicine but only hope.” (William Shakespeare)
In Johnny Tremain, the Boston Observer changes Johnny’s life and
helps him regain his self-esteem and instill hope. Many people comfort him along the way.
After meeting Rab, Johnny
shows joy and merriment. “It wasn’t the
food alone that so raised Johnny’s hopes.
It was Rab himself; an ease and confidence flowed out and supported
those around him.” (p. 49) Johnny experiences hope and comfort when in the
presence of Rab. Johnny also feels he
has made a new friend, and moreover, he does not have to worry about being
tense. So, Johnny has delight and
pleasure flow from his own personality.
Johnny gains self-confidence
and hope while doing his job with Rab. “The
idea that Goblin was more scared the he gave him great confidence and so did
Rab’s belief in him and his powers to learn.” (p. 93) Rab’s belief in him means
much to Johnny. Johnny also looks to
others for support, motivation, and help.
With Rab at his side, Johnny’s job also adds to his self-assurance.
Johnny harvests the support of Rab, and others, to gain hope, self-esteem, and self-confidence. In the end, Johnny looks at the world a different way, and looks at what awaits him in the future.
