T HE G LENCOE L ITERATURE L IBRARY

Study Guide

for Johnny Tremain

by Esther Forbes

i Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ponds forturtles,whichshecollected. countryside ofMassachusetts andscouring also spenttimeridingherpony throughthe at agethirteen,hadahistorical setting.Forbes ingly, Forbes’s firstattemptatanovel,written scripts, tobooksfoundinherattic.Notsurpris- from theclassical historical events.Shereadwidely—everything oped herloveofhistoryandstoriesbasedon jailed forwitchcraft. One ofthestorieswasaboutanancestor preserved historywithstoriesofitsownpast. sent lifetothepast.TheForbesfamilyalso with physicalremindersconnectingherpre- New England.Young Esther’s homewasfilled much earliertimes—whoseworkfocusedon an antiquarian—anexpertonobjectsfrom tradition ofstudyinghistory. Hermotherwas Esther wasbornin1891intoafamilywith Massachusetts. Theyoungestoffivechildren, daysinrural back toherearliestchildhood Johnny Tremain F No matterhowmuchexternalthingschange,the human emotionsdonotseemtochangemuch. the present.Forbes’s loveofhistorydated or EstherForbes,thepastwasasalive In thesesurroundings,Forbesquicklydevel- Study Guide Iliad , tohermother’s manu- Meet EstherForbes —Esther Forbes often unpredictableandendlessly fascinating.” human nature,neverstatic, always changing, wanted toshowreaders“the excitementof Johnny Tremain than theirownlives.” thing whichtheybelievedwasworthmore they werefightingforandthatitwassome- young Americans“wereconsciousofwhat to showthatinthe1770s,as1940s, their cause.In America, theywerefightingdesperatelyfor responsibility. Likethepatriotsofcolonial young peoplethrustintoadultrolesof again. With World War IIraging,Forbessaw Johnny Tremain, historical fiction.Inthiswork,entitled decided totelltheirstoryinaworkof in theyoungapprenticesofthistimeand Bostonians. Shebecameespeciallyinterested Revere He LivedIn region. Herbook ject afamoushistoricalfigurefromthis interest tobiography, Forbeschoseashersub- novels linkedtoNewEngland.Turning her she publishedfourmorebooks—allhistorical her firstnovelin1926.Inthenexttenyears, devoted timetoherownwriting,publishing lisher afterWorld War Iended.Shealso apples liketheothergirls,”shesaid. instead ofmerelyshuckingcornandpicking as ateamstertoworkonlywithhorses, of mylifewaswhenthefarmerappointedme Virginia farm.“Oneoftheproudestmoments lege tojointhewareffort,workingona States enteredWorld War I,Forbesleftcol- life wasredirectedbywar. Afterthe United because oftheAmericanRevolution,Forbes’s acter JohnnyTremain, whoselifechanges at theUniversityofWisconsin. Likeherchar- Forbes wonthe1944Newbery Medalfor Forbes workedasaneditorforabookpub- During herextensiveresearchfor After highschool,Forbesstudiedhistory , Forbeswasdrawntothelivesofearly won thePulitzerPrizein1943. . Sheexplainedthatshe Johnny Tremain war influencedherlifeonce Paul RevereandtheWorld , Forbeswanted Paul 9 Introducing the Novel

The story of Johnny Tremain begins in readers can imagine what it was like to walk 1773 in the Boston home and workshop of down Boston’s cobblestone streets in the early old Mr. Lapham, a master silversmith. 1770s. They can share the sense of danger Fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain is one of and excitement surrounding such real events three apprentices who live with the Lapham as the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s famous family while learning the silversmith trade. ride, and the Battles of Lexington and Although Johnny is an orphan, he had the Concord. Readers also learn more about such advantage of a mother who taught him to great Patriot thinkers and leaders as Sam read and write. These abilities, along with Adams, John Hancock, and John Adams. Johnny’s intelligence and superior skill as an In Johnny Tremain, readers share not apprentice silversmith, make him overly only a historical journey but also Johnny’s per- proud. He wins no friends with his haughty sonal journey of growth and discovery. When attitude toward the other two apprentices. planning the novel, Forbes was determined “to Johnny is so proud and aware of his value to give Johnny room enough to change and grow.” the Laphams that, at times, he even treats his She also wanted “an obstacle [for] Johnny . . . master’s family disrespectfully. to face from the beginning to the end of the As the story begins, Johnny is far more book. . . . This obstacle was to have psychologi- interested in his personal ambitions than in the cal significance.” At the beginning of the political turmoil brewing all around him. At novel, Johnny is an arrogant and impulsive this time, the colonies were on the eve of the boy, but then life knocks him around quite a American Revolution, and Boston was a hotbed bit. He runs into some bad luck and also of tension and unrest. Many colonists were creates some problems for himself with his fiercely engaged in debating how much control excessive pride. He has to face his problems Great Britain should have over the colonies and and try to figure out who he is and what whether to form a separate nation. matters to him. When the dramatic events of Johnny’s story is filled with characters, the American Revolution involve Johnny, he Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. places, and events that make Boston, as it must decide what ideas and beliefs are worth existed in the early 1770s, come alive. Some fighting for. characters are mostly interested in their daily lives. Other characters are passionately inter- THE TIME AND PLACE ested in the political changes erupting around The story of Johnny Tremain takes place them. Though many of these characters are mainly in Boston, beginning in the summer of fictional, Forbes has skillfully interwoven their 1773 and ending in April 1775. At this time, stories with those of real people and events Boston was an important colonial city with a from history. In fact, the author has combined thriving economy. The thirteen American fact and fiction so seamlessly that readers may colonies were well established and had grown not always know what is real and what is in population to two and a half million. The invented. In the words of one critic, “If geographic area of the colonies was larger Jonathan Lyte Tremain never lived in the flesh, than that of the mother country, Great he lives vividly with the men of his time.” Britain. Transportation within and between In writing Johnny Tremain, Forbes drew colonies was very slow, with horse or horse- upon the extensive research she did for her drawn carriage the fastest method of travel. biography of a famous Boston patriot: Paul Mail service was minimal and news could take Revere. With Forbes’s vivid descriptions, days, weeks, or months to circulate.

10 Johnny Tremain Study Guide Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. As thistaxaffectednearlyeverypurchase, madefromorusingpaper.for mostproducts meant colonistshadtopayatax—incash— to thenewtaxes. became therallyingcryofcolonistsopposed them. “Notaxationwithoutrepresentation” they said,Parliamenthadnoauthoritytotax had norepresentativesinParliament.Thus, strongly topayingthesetaxesbecausethey to paynewtaxes.Manycolonistsobjected approved avarietyoflawsrequiringcolonists 1763 and1775,theBritishParliament helped payfortheirowndefense.Between that itwastimetheAmericancolonies Indian War. TheBritishgovernmentdecided deeply indebtaftertheendofFrenchand decade. In1763GreatBritainfounditself Tremain tous historicaleventsdescribedin Johnny Tremain Did You Know? agreement in order tokeepcustomers.They inorder agreement novel, triedtostayneutralinthepoliticaldis- likeMr. Somemerchants, inthe erning. Lyte much sayindividualsshouldhaveintheirgov- andhow shouldbeorganized how governments theBritish shouldhave,but how muchcontrol Theissuewasnotsimply rule. King George’s andsupported who opposedtheWhigsentirely Tories Othercolonistswere the mothercountry. independencefrom them yetdidnotsupport thetaxesBritishimposedon protested ofthecolonies.Somecolonists British control Britainandopposed independencefrom ported Whigs—peoplewhosup- Not allcolonistswere One ofthenewlaws,StampAct, The circumstancesleadingtothemomen- had beenbrewingformorethana Study Guide Johnny ences, both in the novel and in real life. ences, bothinthenovelandreal sometimes friends,despitetheirpoliticaldiffer- neighbors. Infact,WhigsandTories were politelywiththeirBoston very who disagreed decentpeople theywere Forbes’s research, Tories. real-life Gage—were to According HutchinsonandGeneral for example,Governor the Britishleadersandsoldiersinnovel— Hancock appearin Adams, hiscousinJohnand British. tradedwiththe example, butthensecretly theStampActboycotts,for claimed tosupport Congress, whichmetforthefirsttimein1774. correspondence” becametheContinental colonies. Eventually, Adams’s “committeesof between importantleadersfromthedifferent Britain. Heencouragedregularcommunication all thecoloniesshoulduniteagainstGreat convinced PatriotssuchasSamAdamsthat were stationedinBoston.Thiseventfurther between colonistsandBritishsoldierswho dispute ledtoviolenceandbloodshed in 1770.Confusionduringaroutinestreet American RevolutionwastheBostonMassacre tyranny. dedicated tothecauseoffightingBritish like SamAdamsbegantoorganizegroups was thatthecoloniesbegantounify. People important effectoftheStampAct,however, Some protestsledtoviolence.Themost cotting, orrefusingtobuy, Britishgoods. the colonistsdecidedtoprotestbyboy- Important real-life WhigssuchasSam real-life Important Another eventthathelpedtriggerthe Johnny Tremain . Severalof 11 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Chapters 1–5 Chapters without being noticed in a way that shows casual indifference puzzling adv. adv. adv. adj. enthusiastic ¯] ¯] likely to argue or fight ¯] ¯] worthy of respect or awe adj. adj. adj. silly; foolish ntle ¯¯¯siv le ¯¯¯siv to distress by disappointment or humiliation adj. without energy; limp Before You Read You Before Tremain Johnny v. adj. ¯¯¯bər ənt] ¯¯¯bər ¯¯¯ əs] [un´əb troo [non´shə la [en´i matik kəl] [bə lijər ənt] [i zoo [ven´ər ə bəl] [fachoo [shə rin] [flaksid] The city itself was a fairly typical eighteenth-century British-style town. A main feature was The city itself was a fairly typical eighteenth-century advice on a difficult smithing task, was a very tal- Paul Revere, whom Johnny consults for 12 chagrin VOCABULARY PREVIEW VOCABULARY belligerent Time and Place con- an island. It projected out into Boston Harbor, In the 1770s, the city of Boston was almost of land called “the Neck.” This was both goodnected to the mainland by a thin strip and bad for while the Neck’s Bostonians. It was good it provided easy access to Boston Harbor, because from attack. It was bad because it meant that the city could guarded gates helped protect the city the mainland. be easily isolated from communities on was shared by all and was used for pastureland, This land the Common, which still exists today. recreation. People gathered at the Common to military training, horse-riding, and general water pumps scattered throughout the city. exchange news, as they did at the many Know? Did You time, was apprenticed to a master craftsman to learn like many poor boys of his Johnny Tremain, worked and usually lived with their masters for a periodhis trade: silversmithing. Apprentices of the master would train, house, and feed him. efforts, boy’s about seven years. In exchange for the Boston. He learned the trade during an apprenticeship ented and well-regarded silversmith in for his ability to keep the basic beauty of a Revere was particularly famous with his own father. frills that were popular at the time. design, while adding many decorative BACKGROUND FOCUS ACTIVITY of? What are some of the positive or accomplishments are you proud What personal qualities pride? are some of the negative effects of effects of pride? What Chart It! else felt proud. Think about the posi- of situations in which you or someone Jot down memories chart listing those effects. of that pride. Then create a two-column tive and negative effects chart with a partner. Share and discuss your Setting a Purpose life. Tremain’s Johnny pride affects Read to find out how enigmatical nonchalantly exuberant fatuous flaccid unobtrusively venerable Name Date Class Active Reading Johnny Tremain Chapters 1–5 Johnny’s accident changes his life in many ways—physically, practically, and emotionally. As you read the first five chapters of Johnny’s story, notice what these changes are and how he reacts to them. List details that show the contrast between Johnny’s life before and after the accident.

Before After proud humiliated Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Johnny Tremain Study Guide 13 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Class Class Class Class Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Date Date Date Date Chapters 1–5 Chapters Responding Tremain Johnny Describe Johnny’s position and his behavior in the Lapham household at the position and his behavior in the Describe Johnny’s behavior reveal about his character? beginning of the novel. What does his What obstacles does Johnny face as he tries to redirect his life? How does Rab help him? How does their friendship change Johnny? friend Johnny’s What happens to change Johnny’s position in the family? What role does Dove position in the What happens to change Johnny’s react to his new status? play in this event? How does Johnny 1. 3. 2. Name Name Name Name Analyzing Literature Recall and Interpret How do you think you might react in Johnny’s situation? What advice would you situation? What advice you might react in Johnny’s How do you think give to him? Personal Response your opinion of Johnny of Johnny before the accident? Does What is your opinion If so, how? change after the accident? 14 Name Date Class Responding Johnny Tremain Chapters 1–5 Analyzing Literature (continued) Evaluate and Connect 4. Compare and contrast the daily lives of teenagers in Johnny’s world with the lives of teenagers in your own community.

5. Evaluate the tactics that the Sons of Liberty use to further their cause. Do you think such tactics are justified? Why or why not?

Literature and Writing Writing an Essay In the Focus Activity on page 12, you created a chart listing positive and negative effects of pride. Refer to your chart as you write an essay evaluating the positive and negative effects of Johnny Tremain’s pride. In what ways does Johnny’s pride benefit him and other people? In what ways does it harm Johnny and others? How does his pride affect how others view and treat him? What role does pride play in Johnny’s accident? Support your ideas and opinions using details from the novel. Extending Your Response Literature Groups Esther Forbes vividly brings eighteenth-century Boston to life. In your group, divide up the five chapters. Then skim to find historical details that describe Boston and the daily lives of its residents, including such historical figures as Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams. Exchange information within your group in order to bet- ter understand the novel’s setting. If you wish, have one or more group members sketch scenes from Boston in the 1770s. Share your insights and your sketches with the members of another group. Making an Apology Everyone, no matter what his or her age or position, makes mistakes. Apologizing for mistakes is often difficult, but it is necessary to maintain good relations with others. Both Johnny and Dove have a great deal to feel sorry about. Each boy has broken rules of good behavior and caused harm to others. Put yourself in the place of either character and write an apology for your behavior. Read your apology aloud to the class. Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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Johnny Tremain Study Guide 15 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Chapters 6–8 Chapters likely to excite or upset regrettably adj. to take for military purposes to make gestures with the hands, usually while speaking emotional fit v. ¯] ¯] near location v. adv. n. n. r´e ¯] ¯] ¯r] ¯t´] ¯t´] ¯] ¯] to overwhelm v. Before You Read You Before Tremain Johnny to reveal ¯ t] v. [ in flamə to [ kom´ən de to pester for payment [ jes tikyə la [ lamən tə ble [ parək siz´əm] v. [ prok simə te [ inən da [di vulj] [dun] 16 VOCABULARY PREVIEW VOCABULARY commandeer paroxysm BACKGROUND Time and Place the tea that was shipped to the American colonies. Some As early as 1767, the British were taxing as a result, tea exporters such as The East India Company colonists began boycotting British tea; gave it exclusive help this important business, the British government To lost a great deal of money. In September of that year, Act of 1773. under The Tea rights to sell tea in the American Colonies, with tea bound for the colonies. These ships, carrying the East India Company filled seven ships and Philadelphia, were headed for Boston, New York, hundreds of thousands of pounds of tea, cities, and several of the ships turned back to England. Charleston. Protests broke out in all these destination in November 1773. The Patriots responded The ships bound for Boston reached their about in the next section of the novel. with a dramatic protest that you will read Know? Did You shipping port, both because of the fine ships built there In the 1770s, Boston was a key American and the many different products traded on the Boston wharves. Most Bostonians were somehow the fishing industry: a variety of craftspeople built ships; connected to the shipping trade or to merchandise from ships and warehouses; other Bostonians unskilled workers loaded and unloaded wealthy families had made and oysters. Many of Boston’s made a living catching and selling fish their money through shipping and trade. lamentably Do you think it is fair to expect people to pay taxes when they cannot vote for those who impose to expect people to pay taxes when Do you think it is fair for your answer. the taxes? Give reasons Discuss Challenge them to support their the question above with your classmates. Discuss and debate without representation” is reasons. Does everyone agree that “taxation opinions with valid not? unfair? Why or why Setting a Purpose to “taxation with- Rab, and other Bostonians respond Sam Adams, Johnny, Read to find out how out representation.” proximity FOCUS ACTIVITY gesticulate divulge dun inundate inflammatory Name Date Class Active Reading Johnny Tremain Chapters 6–8

Esther Forbes combines fact and fiction as she tells the story of the events leading up to the American Revolution. The major events Forbes describes, such as the Boston Tea Party and the closing of Boston Harbor, actually occurred. As you read, summarize the major events listed in the boxes on the left. In the right-hand boxes, note how each event affects Johnny on a personal level, and the Patriot movement on a political level.

Event Effects Boston Tea Party

Patriots board ships, dump Johnny proud to join taxed tea into Boston Harbor Tea Party; uses axe despite crippled hand. Tea Party helps unify Bostonians, strengthens Patriot movement; British vow to punish Bostonians

Closing of Boston Harbor

Rebellious Acts of Sons of Liberty and Observers Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Johnny Tremain Study Guide 17 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Class Class Class Class Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Date Date Date Date Chapters 6–8 Chapters Responding Tremain Johnny Explain the British tax on colonial tea. What response is planned by Sam Adams Explain the British tax on colonial tea. help implement these plans? and the other Observers? How does Johnny What positions in favor of revolution are argued by Sam Adams and James Otis? What positions in favor of revolution are argued by Sam Adams and James words? How does Johnny react to Otis’s Describe Johnny’s relationships with Cilla, Lavinia Lyte, and Dove now that and Lyte, relationships with Cilla, Lavinia Describe Johnny’s relationships reveal What do these Johnny is living with Rab and his family. about Johnny and his personal growth? 1. 3. 2. Name Name Name Name Recall and Interpret Analyzing Literature Does the idea of playing a personal role in historical events appeal to you? Why or a personal role in historical events Does the idea of playing why not? Personal Response historical events. becomes involved in some important In these chapters, Johnny on you? Explain involvement made the strongest impression What aspect of his your choice. 18 Name Date Class Responding Johnny Tremain Chapters 6–8 Analyzing Literature (continued) Evaluate and Connect 4. Do you think the Bostonians are justified in their reaction to the tax on tea? Why or why not? Do you think Britain’s response is fair? Explain. You may wish to recall your response to the Focus Activity on page 16.

5. In your opinion, is Rab a good friend to Johnny? Give reasons for your answer.

Literature and Writing Writing a Letter Choose a character from Chapters 6–8, such as Johnny, Lavinia Lyte, Sam Adams, or Paul Revere. Write a letter from your character to a friend living outside Boston. Describe the situation in Boston and the state of political debate there. Draw on details from the novel as you describe your view of recent events and your reactions to them. Extending Your Response Literature Groups After the Boston Tea Party, Boston moves closer to war. At the same time, Whigs and Tories, colonists and British soldiers, still interact and often appear even friendly with each other. As a group, look for evidence in the novel of growing tensions and contrasting gestures of goodwill. Discuss and debate why you think hostility and civility were able to coexist in Boston in the early 1770s. Does this state of affairs surprise you? Why or why not? Share your ideas and insights with the members of another group. Mathematics Connection Use these facts as you calculate some of the economic costs of the Boston Tea Party. British tax on imported tea: threepence per pound of tea; ships bound for Boston in 1773:

Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Dartmouth, 114 chests; Eleanor, 114; Beaver, 114; William, 58. If each chest holds 400 pounds of tea and all chests were full, how much tea was headed to Boston? What was the total tax due on all the tea? If a pound of tea was worth nine British pounds ster- ling, what was the value of the tea destroyed at the Boston Tea Party?

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Johnny Tremain Study Guide 19 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Chapters 9–12 Chapters in a downcast or cheerless manner in poor condition adv. with great attention to detail drunk ¯] ¯] adj. adj. adj. fatigue; lack of energy causing delay n. to come together in a single point or focus rebellion against the government ¯ əs] sentimental ¯´tid] v. adj. n. ¯´tid] Before You Read You Before Tremain Johnny adj. ¯] ¯] ¯a ¯ d´] ¯¯¯ r´e [dis konsə lit le ¯bre [di lapə da [di lapə [punk tile dlin] [i ne [kən vurj] [lasə too [si dishən] [mo [dilə to 20 VOCABULARY PREVIEW VOCABULARY converge dilapidated BACKGROUND Time and Place the closing of their port and the arrival of British soldiers Bostonians responded with outrage to that Sam Adams began in the early 1770s and warships. The Committees of Correspondence role. In September 1774, all the colonies except Georgia evolved to play an even more active Congress in Philadelphia. The Congress decided on sent representatives to the First Continental a boycott of British goods promised to stand together in defense of Boston. One result of this and training of colonial militias. The Congress also prepared a promise was the forming, arming, and was not interested in reviewing The king, however, summary of its complaints for King George. and ships to Boston. these complaints and sent more soldiers Know? Did You and had to supply their own guns and ammunition, as well Colonial militiamen had no uniforms as food Many had learned to shoot while hunting for food and other accessories. or fighting They were hardly prepared for the organized and almost Native Americans in the countryside. in which soldiers lined up on opposite polite method by the British army, of warfare practiced rifles shooting. Though the militiamen’s toward the enemy, sides of the battlefield and advanced and often lacked the bayonets (knives) attached to British were accurate, they held only one shot were reloading, they were defenseless. On the other guns. This meant that while the militiamen uniforms made them easy targets. hand, the British soldiers’ bright-red Do you think that an individual can play an important role in historical events? Do you think an individual can play an important Do you think that to a cause have the power to change of people who are deeply committed that a small number Why or why not? the course of history? Share Ideas group members to support their the questions listed above. Challenge In a small group, discuss from the real events and characters with specific examples from history or ideas and opinions class. ideas with the rest of the Share your group’s described in the novel. Setting a Purpose important roles in historical events. Johnny and other characters play Read to find out how FOCUS ACTIVITY dilatory sedition disconsolately maudlin punctilious inebriated lassitude Name Date Class Active Reading Johnny Tremain Chapters 9–12 The final chapters of the novel describe events that occur beginning in the fall of 1774 and end- ing in the spring of 1775. These events lead the British and the Patriots ever closer to war. As you read, follow the progress of events by noting the main actions of the characters listed below.

Paul Revere Sam Adams and John Hancock Continue as leaders of Patriot movement; in March, leave Boston for Concord to attend Provincial Congress

Johnny Rab

Dove Dr. Warren

Colonel Smith General Gage Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Johnny Tremain Study Guide 21 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Class Class Class Class Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Date Date Date Date Chapters 9–12 Chapters Responding Tremain Johnny What are some ways that the Patriots prepare for war? How would you describe What are some ways that the Patriots the mood and the British troops occupying their city? between Bostonians Summarize what happens after Johnny finds Rab at Lexington. At the end of the Summarize what happens after Johnny finds Rab at Lexington. At the end novel, what decision does Johnny make about his future? What does this deci- sion reveal about his values and character? Explain how the Minute Men learn of the British army’s actual battle plans. the British army’s Explain how the Minute Men learn of Patriots’ commitment to independence? What do these efforts reveal about the 1. 3. 2. Name Name Name Name Analyzing Literature Recall and Interpret Personal Response room enough that she “wanted to give Johnny statement Forbes’s Think about Esther she succeeded? Why or why not? Do you think to change and grow.” 22 Name Date Class Responding Johnny Tremain Chapters 9–12 Analyzing Literature (continued) Evaluate and Connect 4. How does the author create suspense during the final chapters of the novel?

5. According to Johnny, at sixteen he is “A boy in time of peace and a man in time of war.” Do you agree with this statement? Do you think more is expected of young people when a country is at war? Explain.

Literature and Writing Battlefield Report Imagine you are a reporter for either the Observer or for a British newspaper. Write a news report about the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Remember to cover the facts by answering these questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Though a news report should be unbiased, you will want to consider your audience. For exam- ple, a London audience would be more interested in the brave deeds of its own troops than in those of colonial troops. Share and compare your report with those of your classmates. Extending Your Response Literature Groups Though the Battles of Lexington and Concord are historical events, in the novel you learn of them largely through Johnny’s personal experience. With your group, review the text. Try to distinguish between Johnny’s experience of events and the objective events themselves. How might the events in the novel’s final chapters be different without Johnny’s presence? Review your response to the Focus Activity on page 20 as you discuss these questions. Share your ideas and conclusions with the members of another group. Performing: Impersonation

Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. When Billy Dawes impersonates a drunk and sneaks out of Boston, he succeeds on the strength of his acting ability. Try your hand at impersonation. Choose a character and a passage of dialogue from the book. Using minimal props, try to re-create your character’s personality with body language and tone of voice. Share your imperson- ation with class members. Can they tell who you are?

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Johnny Tremain Study Guide 23 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Class Class Class Class Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain , focusing on the Date Date Date Date Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain? : “And there is a fine sense of fair play in the recog- : “And there is a fine sense of fair play Responding Tremain Johnny Johnny Tremain is full of real-life people who changed their world—and ours—with who changed their world—and is full of real-life people Save your work for your portfolio. Name Name Name Name Writing about the Novel Writing One critic said of nition that men of all persuasions are good,Do you agree with bad, and indifferent.” treatment of the Patriots and this statement? How would you describe the author’s it balanced and unbiased, or was the author advancing a particular the British? Was well- point of view? Do you think her characters, both fictional and historical, seem rounded? Do they have a credible mixture of faults and strengths? On a separate write your own critical review of piece of paper, An important theme of the novel is the desire for freedom and self-determination, An important theme of the novel is the those who aspire to these goals. What did you and the sacrifices that are required of learn about these issues from reading their ideas and actions. Which of these people did you find most fascinating? Why? Which of these people did you find their ideas and actions. roles in the historic events of ones played the most important In your opinion, which Give reasons for your answers. the American Revolution? Personal Response Johnny Tremain questions above. Support your ideas using specific details from the novel. 24 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Johnny Tremain or theInternet,researchthese sites.Makeanillustratedbrochurethatadvertisesseveral ofthem. Responding totheReading the peoplewhoorganizedandledthisrebellion. new taxesonthecolonistswithoutgivingthemavoiceindecision.PaulReverewasoneof limits oncolonialtrade.AngerturnedtorebellionwhentheBritishgovernmentdecidedlevy is notsurprising,then,thatmanyBostoniansbecameangrywhentheBritishgovernmentplaced Bostonian dependedinsomewayonthecargoshipsthatsailedintoandoutofBostonHarbor. It By themid-1700s,seatradehadmadecolonialBostonaprosperous,bustlingcity. Nearlyevery Background What doesfreedommeantoyou?doyouthinkitmeantthefoundersofUnitedStates? Focus Question YouBefore Read Which ofthemhaveaconnection tothisexcerptfrom What AmericanRevolutionary War sitesormonumentsexistin thegreaterBostonareatoday? Connection Geography andArt Name .Making Connections 4. 3. 2. 1. ways aretheydifferent? did theyjoinDoctorPrescottandattempttogoonConcord?Didaccomplishtheirgoal? Why didPaulRevereandBillyDawesridetoLexingtononthenightofApril18,1775? your opinion,didtheresponsebackfire?Explain. What wasthepurposeofBostonTea Party?HowdidtheBritishgovernmentrespond?In What wastheStampAct?WhydidPaulRevereandothercolonistsrebelagainstact? Study Guide Paul Revere from In whatwaysareJohnnyTremain andPaulReveresimilar?Inwhat America’s Date America’s Paul Revere? Esther Forbes Using travelbooks Class 25 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Study Guide Abigail Adams Abigail Class Class Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Date Date In your opinion, would Johnny Tremain agree with Abigail Adams agree In your opinion, would Johnny Tremain Remember the Ladies! the Remember How does Abigail Adams want the laws of the newly independent country to differ from the How does Abigail Adams want the laws laws of the former colonies? According to Abigail Adams, how do the women of Boston respond to the limitations of war? According to Abigail Adams, how do some colonists might not support independence? Does Abigail Adams understand why her letters. Support your answer with examples from about women’s roles and rights? Use examples from the novel, particularly regarding Johnny’s roles and rights? Use examples from about women’s to support your position. relationship and attitudes toward women, 4. Making Connections 3. 1. 2. Government Connection government. Learn about current find out what role women play in today’s a partner, with Working or in the House of elected officials who are women. How many women are there in the Senate Then list some other Representatives? Are any Representatives or Senators from your state female? identify some ways that women contribute their ideas to national political debates. For example, views. Share your findings with organizations and individuals representing or advancing women’s classmates. Responding to the Reading Before You Read Before You Focus Question are truths to be self evident, that all men hold these Independence states, “We The Declaration of that all men and women are created Do you think the Founding Fathers meant created equal. . . .” equal? Explain. Background a of the First Continental Congress, leader in the Patriot cause. As a member John Adams was a President of the United States, he of Independence, and the second drafter of the Declaration was also a highly His wife Abigail Adams influence in shaping this country. had a great deal of placed on women because of the restrictions aware person. However, intelligent, politically influence she could exert was through her husband. The during her lifetime, the only political her concerns. following letters to him show some of Name Name 26 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Johnny Tremain ished, compareandcontrast yourwork.Discusswhatuniqueperspectiveseachversion offers. fictionalized accountoftheevent, andwhichofyouwillwriteapoemaboutit.When youarefin- With apartner, chooseacurrent event todescribe.Thendecidewhichofyouwillwritea brief Writing Connection/Creative Art Responding totheReading This narrativepoemtellsthestoryofPaulRevere’s rideonthenightofApril18,1775. about Americanhistory. Manyofhispoemsarenarrative,whichmeansthattheytellastory. Henry Wadsworth Longfellowwasanineteenth-centurypoetandwriter knownforhispoems Background How mightapoemaboutPaulRevere’s ridedifferfromastoryaboutit? Focus Question YouBefore Read Name 2. 1. .MakingConnections 4. 3. you agree?Whatmighthavehappenediftheeventshadgonedifferently? In “PaulRevere’s Ride”Longfellowwrites,“Thefateofanationwasridingthatnight.”Do phrases helpyouseeandhearwhathappenedduringPaulRevere’s ride? Longfellow usessensorylanguagetodescribethenightofApril18,1775.Whatwordsor Compare thetwoportrayalsoftheseevents. In whatwaysaretheportrayalssame?theydifferent? How doesLongfellow’s portrayalofPaulReverecomparewiththatfoundin Study Guide Paul Revere’s Ride This poemretellshistoricaleventsalsoportrayedin Date Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Wadsworth Henry Johnny Tremain Class Johnny Tremain . 27 ? Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. , pre- Johnny Study Guide Class Class Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain Johnny Tremain edited by Don Nardoedited by Date Date support this view in any way? If so, how? How does support this view in any way? If so, how? The author of this essay calls the rebellious colonists “lawless and self- The author of this essay calls the rebellious Parliament Has the Right to Right Has the Parliament the Colonies Tax Johnny Tremain disprove this view? Based on what you know about this period of history, do you think the author makes a con- Based on what you know about this period of history, vincing argument? Why or why not? According to the author, why did Parliament have the right to tax the colonies? why did Parliament have According to the author, What alternative taxation method essayist discuss? Why does he say this method does the will not work? Tremain centered.” Does 4. Making Connections 3. 1. 2. Name Name Debate viewpoints presented here and the Patriot views advanced in Using the Tory pare arguments for a debate about Parliament’s taxing of the colonies. Work in teams, with indi- taxing of the colonies. Work pare arguments for a debate about Parliament’s Then hold a viduals assigned to each side. Agree on debate procedures and rules in advance. you able to appreciate the opposing views changed? Were post-debate discussion. Have anyone’s arguments? side’s Responding to the Reading Focus Question issue? your opinion about an important Have you ever changed you change If so, what made your mind? Background there were people who felt that the and its colonies during the 1700s, In both Great Britain Colonists who supported the British had no right to protest their situation. American colonists during the American Some of them fought with the British or Loyalists. were called Tories, and many of them moved to Great them kept quiet during the conflict, Revolution, some of gained their independence. Britain after the colonies Before You Read Before You 28 Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Name the conditionswillbesimilar tothoseofDecember16,1773. will occur. Foranadditionalchallenge,findoutwhatphasethe moonwillbeinonthedaythat for theBostonarea.Look estimatedwaterlevelsandforthetimesthathightide andlowtide that occurredonDecember 16, 1773?To findthe answer, searchtheInternetfortide predictions On whichdayofthismonth willtheconditionsinBostonHarbormostcloselyresemble those Connection Science andInternet Responding totheReading effects themoonandtidehadoneventsofBostonTea Party. University. Inthisarticle,whichfirstappearedin Donald W. OlsonandRusselL.DoescherarebothphysicistsatSouthwestTexas State Background decks ontheshipslooked?Howdoyouimaginescenesurroundingships? What doyouvisualizewhenthinkabouttheBostonTea Party?Howdoyouimaginethe Focus Question YouBefore Read Johnny Tremain 2. 1. .MakingConnections 5. 4. 3. not anidealtime? Why wouldithavebeenidealtoholdtheTea Partyjustafterhightide?Whywaslowtide Why didtheBostonTea Partyhappenwhenitdid? evidence from“TheBostonTea Party.” Do youthinkthisstatementbyDr. Warren ishistoricallyaccurate?Supportyouranswerwith decided thisworkmustbedonebyapprentices,strangers—folk littleknownaboutBoston.” pate intheBostonTea Party, Dr. Warren saystoPaulRevere“Lookhere,Paul,ithasbeen overboard duringlowtide?WhatdidsomeTea Partymembershavetodoasaresult? What happenedtotheteaasmembersofTea Partyunloadedmoreandofit Why wasthetidelowerthanusualonnightofBostonTea Party? Study Guide The BostonTea Party In Johnny Tremain, Donald W. Olson andRusselL.Doescher when theObserversmeettoplanwhowillpartici- Sky andTelescope Date magazine, theydiscussthe Class 29