Dorcas is the second Lapham sister. She’s stout and coarse like Madge, but she “strives for elegance” and goes out of her way to powder her face and otherwise make herself look beautiful. However, she runs off with Frizel, Junior, a leatherworker whom Johnny believes will never be able to give Dorcas the elegant life she wants.
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Dorcas Lapham Character Timeline in Johnny Tremain
The timeline below shows where the character Dorcas Lapham appears in Johnny Tremain. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
...kitchen, where Mrs. Lapham is hard at work with her two older daughters, Madge and Dorcas. It was decided long ago that in a few years, Johnny will be a great...
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...coal himself, but he loses himself in dreams of being a master silversmith. Madge and Dorcas interrupt his reverie with news: Mr. Hancock is ordering a sugar basin, and Mr. Lapham...
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Chapter 2
...doesn’t get his silver on time. Shaking, Johnny goes into the kitchen where Mrs. Lapham, Dorcas, Cilla, and Isannah are cooking. Johnny shares what happened. In a whisper, Mrs. Lapham says...
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...unwrap and see what remains of Johnny’s hand. Johnny’s thumb and palm have grown together. Dorcas screeches in horror, while Mrs. Lapham says that it’s a shame Johnny is “ruined.” Leaping...
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Chapter 3
...annoyed and accuses him of stealing his shoes. Once she’s gone to tell Mr. Lapham, Dorcas and Madge escape: they’re both in love with Frizel, Junior and want to go see...
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Chapter 7
When Cilla gets up to leave, Johnny begs her for news. She explains that Dorcas ran off with Frizel, Junior just when Mr. Tweedie expressed interest in her—so now, Mr....
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