At the beginning of the novel, Johnny is very much a boy. He is arrogant, childish, and only thinks of himself. By the end of the novel he has become a man. Therefore, this week’s question has to do with adulthood: At what point does a person become a man (or a woman)? In some traditions there is a particular age when you are considered “grown-up”: in the Jewish tradition that age is 13. In the U.S., you are legally an adult when you turn 18. What do you think the measure of an adult should be? How do you know when you’ve crossed into adulthood?
“In a way he had died in that room; at least something had happened and the bright little silversmith’s apprentice was no more. He stood there again at the threshold, but now he was somebody else,” (p. 175). Johnny undergoes a major life change as a result of his accident. This forever changes the course of his life. Describe a time when you went through such a physical or emotional life change. What happened? How did your life change as a result? What did you learn from this experience?
“...some of us would die - so that other men can stand up on their feet like men. A great many are going to die for that. They have in the past. They will a hundred years from now - two hundred. God grant there will always be men good enough. Men like Rab,” (ch. XII, p. 297). As Christians we are commanded to submit to the authority God has placed in our lives. But sometimes it is important to stand up for the freedom of others. Who else in history has stood up for the freedom of others? How do we know when it’s time to live in peace, and when it’s time to fight to protect people?
“Now, as he saw Dove daily about the Afric Queen, he could hardly remember his feeling of hatred, his oaths of vengeance. Seemingly hatred and desire for revenge do not last long. He had made new friends.” This passage relates to an old saying: The best revenge is living well. What does that mean? Explain how you relate to this idea and why you either agree or disagree with it.
“Well--you go around calling people squeak-pigs and you’ve just about got to take it when they hit back,” (p. 91). The mark of a true friend is that he/she pushes you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, rather than simply being a “yes-man.” Rab does this for Johnny: He is kind and helps his friend out, but he is not afraid to tell Johnny when Johnny has done something wrong. Who in your life do you consider a true friend, and not simply a yes-man?
The next story we’re going to read is about a 14 year old young man who has an artistic gift. He wants more than anything to be a silversmith and to one day own his own shop. What are your ideas for the future? What gifts do you have? What do you see yourself doing in 10 years (this does not have to be career related, just something you would like to do in the future)?
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Composition: 7th GradeGuidelinesThe whole purpose of this assignment - whether you're reacting to an idea, sharing your own story, or analyzing the reading - is to discuss the ultimate issues of life. With that in mind, make sure that you: Archives
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