Esther Forbes hooks the reader on to the book by giving them a conflict right in the beginning. Johnny’s mother died when he was 14 years old, but before she died, he had signed up to be a silversmith’s apprentice. Johnny was very talented and became one of the best apprentices in all of Boston. Many admired him, and others were jealous of him. Dove, who lived with Johnny, was one who was jealous of him. So, when Johnny had asked him to get a silver melting pot, Dove gave him a broken one.
Dove realized that because it was broken, it would probably spill out the silver when hot enough. When Johnny heated the silver, the pot fell off of the counter, and spilled all over his hand. His right hand was now crippled, and his career as a silversmith would now be put to a haul t. The story took place somewhere in the 1700’s and gets involved with the Revolutionary war.
It is held in Boston, Massachusetts. (add more) I think that if it took place in any other time period, or place, that it would be much different. For example, the story would be completely different if it took place in our modern days. Johnny would have probably gotten the medical attention that he needed for his hand.
He could have continued his position as an apprentice. Although, if he hadn’t encountered the accident, he would have never learned how to push his limits, and work extra hard for the things he wanted. He would have stayed dominant and full of pride, and would never have become his loving character that cared for others and was full of patience.