Think about the work you completed in your reading character role. Determine the ideas that would be most worthy to share in a literary discussion about Johnny Tremain. Provide an explanation for your choices. How did the role you selected and the work you completed help you to understand more about the text? Support your response with at least two pieces of evidence from the novel.
I chose to be the word watcher.
What did you do as a word watcher? Why did you choose that?
As the word watcher, you focused on analyzing the language and vocabulary used in the novel Johnny Tremain. This role is particularly valuable in understanding the text because it allows you to delve into the author's choice of words, examining their deeper meanings and implications. By paying attention to the language used, you gain insight into the characters, themes, and the historical context portrayed in the novel.
Now, let's determine the ideas that would be most worthy to share in a literary discussion about Johnny Tremain, based on your role as a word watcher.
1. The portrayal of patriotism and rebellion: Throughout the novel, there are several instances where the language used reflects the themes of patriotism and rebellion. One example is when the author describes Rab Silsbee's fervent patriotic spirit, using words like "firebrand" and "fiery-eyed." By analyzing the choice of words, you can discuss how the author portrays the characters' passion for the revolutionary cause and their determination to rebel against British rule.
2. The depiction of social class and inequality: Another recurring theme in Johnny Tremain is social class and inequality in colonial America. As a word watcher, you would have paid attention to the language used to depict the different social strata. One example is the way the author describes the Lapham family's poverty and the luxurious lifestyle of the Lyte family. By examining the word choice, you can discuss how the author emphasizes the stark contrasts between the lives of the affluent and the impoverished, shedding light on the social and economic disparities of the time.
To support your choices, here are two pieces of evidence from the novel:
1. Evidence for the portrayal of patriotism and rebellion: In Chapter 6, when Rab is introduced, the author describes him as "a firebrand in the street...fired-eyed, talking always about the Rebels." This vivid language communicates Rab's passionate devotion to the revolutionary cause, highlighting the sentiment of rebellion and patriotism among the characters.
2. Evidence for the depiction of social class and inequality: In Chapter 4, while describing the Lyte family's opulent lifestyle, the author uses phrases such as "luxury and ease...silver and china glittered" to contrast with the humble surroundings of the Lapham household. This language choice draws attention to the stark differences in social class and underscores the theme of inequality in colonial America.
By analyzing the language and word choices in Johnny Tremain, you have gained a deeper understanding of the themes and messages conveyed in the novel. Your role as a word watcher allowed you to uncover the nuances of the author's language, providing valuable insights for engaging in a literary discussion.