Allison Fisher

March 17, 2004

 

 

 

“For Better or For Worse”

 

 

            “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” – Arnold Bennett.  In the novel Johnny Tremain, due to the lack of employment during the Revolutionary War, Johnny faces the difficult obstacle of finding a jog resulting personality changes from an arrogant boy to a respectful young man.  Johnny, even though he is the smallest boy in the household, his attitude makes him seem as thought he was the man of the house. 

            Even though Johnny seems thin and small, he portrays himself as the boss of the attic.  “Although two years younger than the swinish dove, inches shorter, pounds lighter, he knew, and old Mr. Lapham knew, busy Mrs. Lapham and her four daughters and Dove and Dusty also knew, that Johnny Tremain was boss of the attic and always of the house. (p.2) Johnny, a skinny boy, believes to be tougher than he looks. Judging Johnny by his body structure can be misleading.  Johnny’s arrogance results in a terrible accident which starts his journey to manhood. 

            Manhood has its ups and downs, sacrifices, and consequences.  “True, Rab had died, hundreds would die, but not the thing they die for: a man can stand up . . .” (p.256) Since Johnny has become a young man, he can accept the outcomes of war.  Johnny realizes that manhood requires making sacrifices for something he loves and respects.  Johnny Tremain, being guided by experiences of life, has become a loyal, reverent man. 

            Due to being rejected towards finding the skilled job he prefers, Johnny’s rigorous journey of becoming a man results in a more strong and developed character.