How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Now close the book. Stand up and expound to us all the meaning of God's Word."
Johnny stood up. His skin was thin and he could feel himself flush. So the old gentleman was after him for his pride again, was he?
"It is all another way of saying—God's way of saying—that pride goeth before a fall."
"Yes, and why?"
"Because God doesn't like pride." Johnny sounded sulky.
"Do you think God would like you?"
"Not especially." (1.2.23-29)
Johnny has just read aloud a load of Bible verses about the sin of pride, and Mr. Lapham has called him out at breakfast in front of the entire household. What does Johnny's response say about his own feelings about pride? Does he really believe "pride goeth before a fall"?
Quote #5
"You're getting above yourself—like I tried to point out to you. God is going to send you a dire punishment for your pride." (2.2.21)
Foreshadowing much? Mr. Lapham interprets Johnny's accident as God's judgment. What is the effect of Mr. Lapham's interpretation on the reader's interpretation? What are other ways we might interpret and make meaning of the accident? How does Johnny himself interpret it?
Quote #6
Since his accident he had unconsciously taken to wearing his hat at a rakish angle. This, and the way he always kept his right hand thrust into his breeches pocket, gave him a slightly arrogant air. The arrogance had always been there, but formerly it had come out as pride in his work—not in the way he wore his hat and walked. (3.3.2)
Johnny is prickly as a porcupine at this point in the novel. Before his accident, he took pride in being a good silversmith. What is he taking pride in now? Does the pride have anywhere to go?