By Esther Forbes
“Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes is a historical fiction novel that takes place during the American Revolutionary War. The novel explores themes of courage, loyalty, and independence. Literary devices used in the novel include imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing, metaphor, and dialogue, which help bring the characters and historical events to life for readers.
In this guide you’ll learn:
Themes 📚
- Identity: Throughout the novel, Johnny struggles to understand his place in society and find his true identity as a silversmith, a member of the Sons of Liberty, and a young man coming of age.
- Loyalty: Johnny’s loyalty to his friends, family, and country is tested throughout the novel as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the impact they have on those around him.
- Freedom: The novel explores the idea of freedom, both as a concept and as a tangible goal for the colonists fighting for independence from British rule.
- Courage: Johnny and the other characters in the novel must demonstrate courage in the face of danger, whether it be standing up to authority figures, risking their lives in battle, or facing personal challenges and setbacks.
- Independence: The theme of independence is closely tied to the idea of freedom, as the characters in the novel strive to break free from British rule and establish a new nation based on principles of liberty and democracy.
- Coming of age: As Johnny navigates the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, he must learn to make difficult decisions and take responsibility for his actions.
- Rebellion: The novel depicts the rebellion of the American colonists against British authority, as well as Johnny’s own rebellion against the constraints of society and his own self-doubt.
- Injustice: Throughout the novel, characters experience various forms of injustice, whether it be due to their social status, their political beliefs, or the actions of others.
- Sacrifice: The characters in the novel must make sacrifices for the greater good, whether it be sacrificing their own safety and comfort for the sake of the revolution or sacrificing personal relationships in the pursuit of a larger goal.
- Legacy: The novel explores the idea of leaving a lasting legacy and the impact that one’s actions can have on future generations.
Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽
- Imagery: The novel uses vivid sensory details to create images of colonial Boston and the events of the American Revolution, such as the smell of tar on the wharves or the sound of musket fire.
- Symbolism: The silver cup that Johnny treasures is a symbol of his identity as a silversmith, and later becomes a symbol of his personal and political struggles.
- Foreshadowing: The novel uses hints and clues to suggest what is to come, such as the ominous warning given to Johnny by the dying Mr. Lapham.
- Metaphor: Johnny’s injured hand becomes a metaphor for his lost sense of identity and purpose, as well as a symbol of the sacrifices he must make for the cause of independence.
- Dialogue: The novel’s realistic and authentic dialogue helps to bring the characters to life and provides insight into their personalities, motivations, and relationships.
- Irony: The novel employs irony to create contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, such as when Johnny’s quest for personal freedom leads him to become more deeply involved in the revolutionary cause.
- Allusion: The novel makes references to historical events and figures, such as the Boston Tea Party and Samuel Adams, which enrich the story and deepen readers’ understanding of the time period.
- Flashback: The novel uses flashbacks to provide backstory and context for events, such as Johnny’s memories of his life as a silversmith apprentice.
- Repetition: Certain words, phrases, or ideas are repeated throughout the novel, creating a sense of continuity and connection between different parts of the story.
- Imaginative language: The novel uses figurative language and descriptive language to bring the characters and setting to life, such as describing a character’s eyes as “black as buttons” or the feeling of a sword cutting through the air as “slicing steel.”
Examples of Literary Devices 📋
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Johnny’s silver cup | The silver cup is symbolic of Johnny’s past and his ties to a higher social class. Its melting represents the irreversible changes in Johnny’s life. |
| Johnny’s injured hand | Johnny’s hand represents his personal growth. Initially, it’s a source of humiliation and limitation, but it eventually becomes a symbol of his resilience and adaptation. |
| The ‘Observer’ newspaper | It symbolizes the spread of revolutionary ideas and the power of the press in shaping public opinion. |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Johnny’s early arrogance and pride | Foreshadows his fall from grace, which comes in the form of his hand injury. |
| Dove’s resentment towards Johnny | Foreshadows his future betrayal by providing the cracked crucible that injures Johnny. |
| The growing tension between the Whigs and Tories | Foreshadows the impending American Revolution. |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He was as conspicuous as a chicken in a duck yard” | This simile is used to describe Johnny’s discomfort and lack of fit in his new environment after his injury. |
| “She flew at him like a small cat” | This simile is used to describe Cilla’s sudden and fierce reaction to Johnny’s initial arrogance. |
| “His heart pounded like a drum” | This simile is used to depict Johnny’s fear and anxiety in tense situations. |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “A world that was to shatter like glass” | This metaphor predicts the dramatic changes that will occur due to the American Revolution. |
| “Boston was a bear pit” | This metaphor illustrates the dangerous and volatile atmosphere in Boston leading up to the Revolution. |
| “The Laphams were a fortress” | This metaphor symbolizes the security and comfort Johnny finds in the Lapham household. |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Johnny’s prized ability to craft silver leads to his downfall | His skill, which was a source of pride and security, ends up causing his injury and loss of status. |
| The British soldiers, who are supposed to maintain order, cause chaos | The presence of the British troops exacerbates the tension and leads to more conflict. |
| Johnny finds freedom after becoming a fugitive | Despite being on the run, Johnny experiences more personal freedom and self-determination than before. |
FAQs 💭
What is a literary device?
A literary device is a technique or tool that writers use to enhance their storytelling and convey meaning to the reader. Examples include symbolism, metaphor, imagery, and irony.
How does the author use imagery in “Johnny Tremain”?
The author uses vivid sensory details to create images of colonial Boston and the events of the American Revolution, such as the smell of tar on the wharves or the sound of musket fire.
What is the significance of the silver cup in “Johnny Tremain”?
How does the author use foreshadowing in “Johnny Tremain”?
The novel uses hints and clues to suggest what is to come, such as the ominous warning given to Johnny by the dying Mr. Lapham.
What is the effect of the novel’s authentic dialogue?
The novel’s realistic and authentic dialogue helps to bring the characters to life and provides insight into their personalities, motivations, and relationships.
How does the author use irony in “Johnny Tremain”?
What is the significance of the novel’s allusions to historical events and figures?
The novel makes references to historical events and figures, such as the Boston Tea Party and Samuel Adams, which enrich the story and deepen readers’ understanding of the time period.
What is the effect of the novel’s repetition of certain words or phrases?
Certain words, phrases, or ideas are repeated throughout the novel, creating a sense of continuity and connection between different parts of the story.