Johnny Tremain Pride Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)

Quote #7

He liked to make a handsome entrance. Even if he and Goblin had dawdled a bit on country roads, they both liked arriving at the inns at a gallop. […]

He also enjoyed the showy, queer beauty of his horse. When people on the streets or at the taverns complimented him on his mount, there would come the same fatuous expression on his face he had often ridiculed on Cilla's when people stopped her and said how angelic Isannah was, but he did not know it. (5.2.25-26)

Johnny is now taking pride in something other than himself. We think it's funny that he's acting about Goblin the way Cilla does about Isannah. Johnny isn't always especially self-aware.

Quote #8

The pen stopped scratching. Doctor Warren had stopped writing, and, although his back was to him, Johnny knew those clean, clear blue eyes were staring at him. They were staring at his crippled hand.

Instantly Johnny thrust it back into his breeches pocket. He straightened himself unconsciously, preparing to be either sullen or arrogant. (6.2.21-22)

Why is the arrogance coming out now? Doctor Warren knows Johnny pretty well at this point, and he's always been a good guy. How does this scene compare to later scenes where Doctor Warren offers his professional opinion on Johnny's hand?

Quote #9

Johnny took off his spurs and showed the silversmith a broken rowel. "I want you to fix that for me, this afternoon—Mr. Silversmith."

"Yes, sir…yes, indeed." Once Johnny was a patron, the past was forgiven him. "If you'll take a chair, it shall be mended in fifteen minutes."

Johnny couldn't help it. He said proudly, "In ten minutes, Mr. Silversmith." (7.4.8-10)

This is one of those scenes where we partly shake our heads at Johnny and we partly don't blame him in the least. Mr. Tweedie was ready to see him hang, after all, so seeing him humbled is satisfying. It's interesting, though, that Johnny is able to show so little respect for a practitioner of the trade he formerly worshipped.