Johnny Tremain Quotes

Matthew Mulderig
Mrs. Zajac
English Period 1
8 February 2023
Rab’s Influence on Johnny
In Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes, a boy named Rab influences the protagonist, Johnny, positively and negatively. Throughout the story, Johnny becomes less arrogant, and more respectful and thinks before he speaks during his time with Rab. Although Johnny’s relationship with Rab has been positive so far, Rab has introduced Johnny to a menacing crowd of passionate patriots, which causes him to become rebellious. Before Johnny met Rab, he was an arrogant, conceited apprentice boy. He lost his ability to work at his silversmith apprenticeship, which led him to Rab at the printing shop for The Boston Observer. Rab took Johnny under his wing to make him a better man.

Rab has influenced Johnny to become less arrogant and self-centered. Esther Forbes stated, “Rab did not criticize him, but he had a way of asking him why he did certain things which had a great influence upon Johnny” (116). This quote happened when Johnny remembered how he had changed in recent months. It showed how Rab questioned Johnny’s choices he disagreed with. These questions influenced Johnny and made him think about his decisions. Even Johnny himself could see this positive change. The author said, “... he had been quite a different boy from the arrogant, shabby young tramp of late summer and early fall” (Forbes 116). Since entering his new life with Rab, Johnny knows he has become a better person. Johnny has developed into a better person by showing that he knows he is less