Johnny Tremain Chapter 5

Questions and Answers

Why is Chapter 5 entitled 'The Boston Observer'?

Because Johnny gets a job at The Boston Observer.

What is shown in the picture at the beginning of the chapter?

It's Rab working at the printing shop.

How does Merchant Lyte get the cup back?

When Johnny tried to sell him the cup, Merchant Lyte stole it by threatening Johnny with his bodyguards.

How did Rab get Cilla's mother to allow her to go to court?

All Rab had to do was present Mrs. Lapham with a fake court letter stating an order from the governor. Signup and view all the answers

What job does Johnny get at the print shop?

Johnny is delivering papers on horseback. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Goblin hard to ride? What does Rab mean by his explanation that the horse sees skirts and petticoats and 'thinks they are white hippogriffs'?

He means that Goblin is afraid of everything. Signup and view all the answers

How does Johnny become well informed about political matters?

He reads the newspapers and he talks to Rab and Uncle Lorne and he listens to the revolutionary leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Why are there so many chairs stored above the print shop?

There are so many chairs stored above the print shop because that is where the secret meetings are held. Signup and view all the answers

How is Johnny's life different now that he lives with the Lornes? How does Mrs. Lorne treat Johnny compared with the way that Mrs. Lapham treated him?

Mrs. Lorne treats Johnny a lot better than Mrs. Lapham did. Mrs. Lorne is nice to Johnny and makes sure he stays healthy and safe. Signup and view all the answers

What arrangement does Johnny make with Cilla? Why?

To meet her every Thursday and Sunday by the water pump so he can help her carry the water buckets to the Lapham house. Signup and view all the answers

How does being around Rab change Johnny for the better?

Johnny has learned many things from Rab; he has learned to control his temper and to care for others and not to make a big deal about his hand so people would not notice it. Signup and view all the answers

Rab is self-contained and ordinarily quiet, but sometimes he comes 'outside himself.' What are two examples of these times?

When he was dancing he was having a good time and when he got in a fight with the butchers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Title: The Boston Observer

Chapter 5 focuses on Johnny Tremain's new job at The Boston Observer, marking a significant shift in his life.

Visual Elements

The chapter opens with an illustration of Rab working at the printing shop, emphasizing the environment Johnny will be a part of.

Merchant Lyte and the Cup

Merchant Lyte reacquires the cup from Johnny through intimidation, using his bodyguards to threaten him during the attempted sale.

Rab and Cilla's Court Appearance

Rab persuades Cilla's mother, Mrs. Lapham, to allow Cilla to attend court by presenting a deceptive letter falsely claiming a summons from the governor.

Johnny's Job

Johnny's role at the print shop involves delivering newspapers on horseback, integrating him further into the political landscape of Boston.

Goblin's Riding Difficulty

Goblin, the horse, is challenging to ride because he is easily frightened, particularly by skirts and petticoats, which he associates with mythical creatures.

Political Awareness

Johnny becomes knowledgeable about political issues through newspaper readings, conversations with Rab and Uncle Lorne, and by listening to revolutionary leaders.

Secret Meetings

Chairs stored above the print shop serve the purpose of hosting secret meetings, indicating the covert nature of political discussions at the time.

Change in Living Conditions

Living with the Lornes significantly improves Johnny's situation; Mrs. Lorne treats him with kindness and attentiveness, contrasting sharply with Mrs. Lapham’s previous indifference.

Arrangement with Cilla

Johnny agrees to meet Cilla biweekly to assist her with carrying water buckets, highlighting his continued affection and desire to support her despite no longer living with the Laphams.

Personal Growth through Rab

Being around Rab positively influences Johnny, teaching him to manage his temper, show compassion, and cope with his disability without drawing undue attention.

Rab's Outbursts

Despite his generally quiet demeanor, Rab exhibits bursts of exuberance during specific moments, such as while dancing joyfully or defending himself in a confrontation with the butchers.

Description

This quiz focuses on Chapter 5 of 'Johnny Tremain', titled 'The Boston Observer'. It covers key events and characters introduced in this chapter, such as Johnny's new job and the interaction with Merchant Lyte. Test your knowledge on the pivotal moments that shape the story's progression!