Megan Wilhelms #82
Mrs. Palmiotto
Literature
A Journey of Hope
“Before
you give up hope, turn back and read the attacks that were made upon
Johnny’s unfortunate hand abrasion affects the way he envisions himself and others. As Johnny sat and cried, he said, “I can’t do work. I can’t ever be a silversmith- not even a watchmaker. My friends don’t want me to touch them with my dreadful hand.”(p.63) Johnny feels ashamed of his hand, and realizes the negative affect that it has on his future and friends. His self-esteem decreases as he begins to realize the abilities that he has. This event truly demolishes Johnny’s hopes for his future in silversmithing.
After the terrible hand accident, Johnny slowly matures into a man that has the utmost care and love for his friends. As he walked over to the girl, he said, “‘Cilla, do you come here often to fetch water?’ It hurt him that the heavy yoke and the two buckets which he had worn so often, to his humiliation, had somehow descended upon her thin shoulders.”(p.98) Johnny cares and pities for Cilla, for the work that she has been burdened with. He partially blames himself for the work that used to be his, but has now been left to her. Although Johnny has overcome physical and emotional challenges, he still has a sincere perspective towards others.
Johnny
witnesses a life-altering situation when he maims his hand, and his future in
silversmithing is ruined. He becomes devastated at the effect that the tragedy
has on his life and becomes quite disheartened. He experiences a major downfall
in his pride and personality, but the event helps him to become a more modest
and amiable person.