Old Mr. Lapham several times warns Johnny about his pride, yet the author makes it clear that Johnny is one of the most talented silversmith apprentices in Boston. Shouldn't he be proud of his work is there a right kind of pride and a wrong kind of pride.

Pride can be seen in two different ways. Johnny could be proud of his work, as well as his accomplishments and ability to learn. Lapham's warning to Johnny was based on forethought, as Johnny's pride led him to disobey the man who was training him, and to ignore what he was told. Pride sometimes causes people to believe they have nothing left to learn.... that they know it all. Unfortunately, it's thins type of pride that leads people to try things they might not be ready for.... things that cause accidents. In effect, the damage Johnny did to his hand.