Johnny Tremain Study Guide

It is morning on Boston's Hancock's Wharf. In the home and shop of the silversmith, Mr. Lapham the apprentices are still in bed and Mrs. Lapham the silversmith's widowed daughter-in-law is too stout to climb the ladder. Sixteen-year-old Dove, the oldest apprentice is slow and lazy and Dusty Miller is only eleven. When Mrs. Lapham calls it is fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain she asks for help. Even though he has only been apprenticed to Mr. Lapham for two years instead of Dove's four, Johnny already is the smartest, the most energetic, and the most skilled at working silver. Because of this he doesn't have to do menial chores like going for water or helping in the kitchen. Dove who is lonely and could use a friend resents and is jealous of Johnny. Dusty Miller worships and admires Johnny but when Johnny gets too bossy even Dusty sometimes sympathizes with Dove. (read more)