English 10 ADV. PIB-A
LaPalme
Johnny Tremain Research Paper
People come into your life, and people walk out; but no matter how often or how seldom,
how many or how few, each one of these people affects you in some type of way, whether good
or bad. Johnny Tremain was one such person whose life was dramatically influenced by the
people he lived and worked with. Some of the things he learned with the help of others, some
habits he unconsciously picked up on, and others habits he tried and succeed in breaking with the
support of those with him. However, not all of the influences that were leaning on him were good
ones. In fact, more than a few only served to impede his progress in the most progressive
direction of life. Johnny was the type of person who we find out seems to be influenced by the
people he is around the most, and this is not always good. As the novel progresses, he learns to
take a stance on the issues of the times and to stick with them, forming his own opinions about
things. Various people influence him, and Johnny notes everything they say to help him make
decisions about his life.
When Johnny was living with the Lapham’s, he was an arrogant and self-centered boy.
He typically had no consideration for others feelings, and could only think about the day when
he would leave and start his own silversmith shop- “It had already been decided that when he
grew up to be a really great silversmith…” (Forbes, 7). I think this is partially because Johnny
had no real training, had no role model, no one to look up to and fashion his life after. Johnny
had never really like Dove, and he only tolerated Dusty. He seemed to regard them as burdens,
only good for things such as fetching water and charcoal. “Only Dove hated him” (Forbes, 4) and
Johnny could have gotten along with Dove had he chosen to do so, as Dove “was lonely and
admired Johnny as well as envied him” (Forbes, 5). For whatever reason, Johnny chose not to
make friends. He thought enough of himself to use all three of his initials when branding things
