“A Journey of Transformation”
“Fear less, hope more;… hate less, love more; and all good things are yours”(Swedish Proverb). In Johnny Tremain, Johnny, a presumptuous young apprentice, maims his hand which causes him to transform his proud personality into one that is more appreciative and humble. Johnny, a very talented young boy, needs to show love and compassion in order to get respect.
Johnny’s haughty trait brings about his lack of etiquette. Due to Johnny’s arrogant attitude he is told”…to give God thanks.. not to take it out on lording it over the other boys. That was one of the things Johnny did not let bother him much.”(p.13) Johnny has no respect for others. The fact that he does nothing to correct his disrespectfulness and rudeness shows that Johnny has not been affected by his behavior. Johnny, a skilled silversmith, has a hard time controlling his boastful actions.
Johnny’s outlook on others fluctuates as he becomes able to subdue himself. Rab spoke to Johnny about his angry words and after that Johnny began to watch himself. “For the first time he learned to think before he spoke.”)p.108) Johnny realizes his faults and tries to improve his behavior. Rab’s comment has a highly effective influence on the way Johnny portrays himself. Johnny reaches his full potential as he progresses to revise into a more positive person.
Johnny’s personality alters over time as he faces many challenges. Due to his maimed hand he faces a mental change which reconstructs his prideful attitude into a better, more enjoyable one. This adjustment has brought out a better, positive Johnny.