Double Entry Journal
Page(s)
8-9
Passage from text
Analysis
Define terms, reflect on author’s style, identify
conflict, make predictions, relate to colonial life in
the 1770’s and the role of moral, social, political
and economic environments in the passage.
“Johnny could smell the hemp and spices, tar The setting is described with imagery that appeals
and salt water, the sun drying fish. He liked
to the sense of smell-one can almost smell the sea
his wharf. He sat at his own bench, before
smells of the ocean nearby, and the ‘hemp’ refers
him the innumerable tools of his trade…Mr. to the ropes tying the ships up at the docks.
Lapham was always telling him to give God Johnny is clearly proud of his skill and seems to be
thanks who had seen fit to make him so good ignoring Mr. Lapham’s repeated warnings about
an artisan—not to take it out in lording it
being humble and not bossing the boys around. In
over the other boys. That was one of the
this passage he is “lording his knowledge” over
things that Johnny ‘did not let bother him
Dove, who is clearly less capable but two years
much’…[Johnny says to Dove], ‘Well then, older.
this spoon you finished yesterday afternoon The word gauge refers to the thickness of the
has to be melted down—made over. You
silver, and a crucible is a porcelain cup that is used
beat it to the wrong gauge…So get out a
to melt and refine the silver for molding. Dove’s
crucible. Soon as Dusty’s got the furnace
thoughts show his reaction to Johnny’s ordering
going, you melt it down and try again.’ I’d
him around, and the conflict here with Johnny’s
like to get you in a crucible, thought Dove,
pride and Mr. Lapham’s unheeded warnings seems
and melt you down. I’d beat you to the
to provide a foreshadowing of trouble to come for
proper gauge…Two years younger than me
him, especially with Dove who resents him.
and look at him!”
Although Johnny is an indentured apprentice, his
social role seems to be one of high standing.