Erik Brown #8

Ms. Palmiotto

English/Block 3

March 15, 2004

“Johnny’s Pride”

Johnny’s Tremain’s pride is like a rock; he always stands on it and depends on it. In Johnny Tremain, money strengthens Johnny’s pride by giving him the satisfaction of offering gifts to others and it also gives him something that he can call his own. The following paragraphs demonstrate how Johnny’s arrogance is strengthened.

Whenever Johnny has his own possessions, Johnny feels important. An example of this is when Johnny buys new shoes, “His toes showed, but he hadn’t liked it when Jehu referred to in as ‘a boy with broken shoes’. As he left the cobbler’s, his new shoes squeaking…”(p.60) This quote proves that Johnny’s haughtiness swells when he has new possessions. This quote also demonstrates that Johnny’s egoism is strengthened when he has money and when he has possessions that he can call his own. Johnny feels good about himself whenever he owns things or has posses money.

Johnny gives his self- esteem a boost whenever he buys other gifts. This demonstrates when Johnny buys gifts Cilla, “’Look, girl… I’ve got crayons for you!’”.(p.61) This quote demonstrates the fact that Johnny’s ego strengthens when he treats others well. This quote proves that giving gifts strengthens Johnny’s arrogance. Giving gifts to others always gives Johnny’s ego a boost.

Johnny strengthens his pride when he gives gifts to others and has objects he can rightfully call his own. Johnny’s attitude is like a rock; he depends on it and lives upon it. Without it Johnny would not be able to function normally, just like a person without anyone to depend on.