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Light In The Forest Johnny Tremain Analysis

Decent Essays

Compare and Contrast Essay Rough Draft The Light in the Forest, by Conrad Richter, and Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes, are two incredibly distinct novels, each with their own similarities and differences when compared to one another. True Son, the protagonist in Light in the Forest, is a fifteen-year-old boy raised by a tribe of Delaware Indians for the past eleven years of his life. Though he is biologically American, he wholeheartedly considers himself a full blooded Indian. This not only creates turmoil when he is forcibly moved to his biological white family but causes True Son confusion when he is forced to choose between not only his two families but his two other identities as well. On the other hand, Johnny Tremain, the protagonist in the novel Johnny Tremain, faces a completely different situation for he is a fourteen-year old boy living in colonial Boston. He is at first entirely self-centered and arrogant due to his prodigious gifts as a silversmith apprentice. However, when an unfortunate injury results in him having a crippled hand, this destroys any chance of him being an adequate silversmith. He faces humiliation but through many struggles and difficulties transforms into a patriotic man. Through analyzing the two novels, there were many similarities and differences found. Similarities include the difficult journey they both encounter as well as their similar behavior. On the contrary, both individuals differ through their race and how they were brought up. Both True Son and Johnny Tremain desire to stay in a comfortable setting. They greatly enjoy their life and make no wish to change it. And yet, both characters were forced to face hardships which ultimately changes both their situation as well as their perspectives in life. For instance, Johnny Tremain had a comfortable position in life. He was widely considered the most talented young silversmith in Boston. Though he was egotistic, he was destined for a bright future. Regrettably, when molten silver disfigured his hand he lost his chance at ever becoming a silversmith and can no longer find skilled work. Filled with self pity and despair, he almost turns to a life of crime. Only his friendships and new job with a Whig newspaper company

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