Question

11. this question has two parts: 1. list some important ideas that Johnny tremain includes. why did you choose those ideas? 2. tell how using a reading role helped you understand the book. the reading roles are described in the link on Unit 4 lesson 1 slide 4. support your response with at least two pieces of evidence from the novel.
I need help, it is the last question and I am so lost.

Answer 1

Johnny Tremain is a 1943 children's historical fiction novel by Esther Forbes set in Boston prior to and during the outbreak of the American Revolution. Intended for teenagers, the novel's themes include apprenticeship, courtship, sacrifice, human rights, and the growing tension between Patriots and Loyalists as conflict nears. Events described in the novel include the Boston Tea Party, the British blockade of the Port of Boston, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

The book won the 1944 Newbery Medal and is the 16th bestselling children's book as of the year 2000 in the United States, according to Publishers Weekly. In 1957, Walt Disney Pictures released a film adaptation, also called Johnny Tremain.

I would choose sacrifice and human rights because it is interesting to see how even teenagers had things to sacrifice at that time when a nation is being born according to the novel and they also showed awarenes of human rights.

Look, what I can tell you that to understand a reading even if it is not so complicated, it is important to read between the lines and not to translate all the words you don't understand. A reading role can help you a lot but it has to be well done and you have to follow it carefully.

The novel tells us about that we die so another man can stand up. This ringing sentiment espoused by James Otis near the end of Johnny Tremain sums up the driving force behind the brave acts the Sons of Liberty and the Minute Men performed during America’s birth. It also sums up some of Johnny Tremain’s own transformation throughout the book. Initially apprenticed to Mr. Lapam as a promising, but prideful, silversmith, Johnny must find his own way when his hand gets burned too badly to allow him to perform the delicate silver work of which he was so proud. He is befriended by Rab, nephew of Mr. Lorne, the printer of The Boston Observer, a paper staunchly dedicated to the cause of America’s liberty. As Johnny gets to know the Sons of Liberty and runs messages for Mr. Lorne, his own character is shaped by the sacrifices and sentiments of those around him, not least of which come from the Sons of Liberty meetings he attends. As he hears John Adams, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Dr. Warren, and James Otis discuss sacrifice for their country–and why they are willing to put up a fight–Johnny matures and grows in his own willingness to serve others.

Answer 2

1-Ideas that Johnny Tremain includes.First of all, the idea of being talented but also to boast about it.Johnny is too ostentatious and when he is given the opportunitty of his life time he is too proud to recognize he has been helped.So the idea could be that arrogance leads nowhere as after some time he has a terrible accident which unables him to work .Consequently,he cannot keep his fame and fortune.Second , the idea of transformation which comes after suffering.The concept developed by Jonny Tremain could be that of learning and understanding from all the misfortunes he has  had to face.Being the best should not be taken from granted.As he used to be overconfident and had this air of superiority, when the going gets tough , he is left alone.I chose those ideas because they talk for themselves in the story and I think that there is a lesson to be learned from them.

2-Reading roles help understanding the book in the following ways.You as a reader become and investigator and put together information that is relevant for understandin characters´actions and attitudes.If you develop as a creative connector , you will be able to find the connection the story has to social, economic and historic aspects of the society being described by the author.Emerging as the devil´s advocate will give you the chance of criticising the story as a professional making questions and raising arguments.

3-You become an investigator looking for the reasons why Johnyy has turned into such an ostentatious person.Try to see if the story contains something about his family and the way he was brought up, for instance.A creative connector will be searching for a description of the  colonial society in the context the story develops.Additionally, information about the financial situation will be useful.The devil´s advocate will ask if the story is well developed, if the order in which it is told is inspiring to continue reading if the descriptions are clear and have a point .