American Gods

by

Neil Gaiman

John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) Character Analysis

An American “culture hero” famous for planting apple trees throughout the American west and living peacefully with Native Americans. In the novel, John Chapman is friends with Whiskey Jack and also describes his grief after the loss of his Shoshone wife, offering a comparison as Shadow sorts through his own feelings after Laura’s death. While not a god, John has the status of a god because of the way his story is remembered in the American public, showing the difference between gods brought to America and gods conceived on American soil.
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John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) Character Timeline in American Gods

The timeline below shows where the character John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) appears in American Gods. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 12
Mythology, Belief, and Community Theme Icon
Plurality and the Power of the Individual in America Theme Icon
...himself Lakota. Whiskey Jack invites them into his mobile home, where Wednesday introduces Shadow to Johnny Appleseed , who is sitting at the table. Shadow says his name is Mike Ainsel, but... (full context)
Mythology, Belief, and Community Theme Icon
Change and Growth Theme Icon
Life, Death, Desire, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
After they eat, Johnny Appleseed asks Wednesday why he is leading the old folks on a war path. Whiskey Jack... (full context)
Mythology, Belief, and Community Theme Icon
Change and Growth Theme Icon
Life, Death, Desire, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
...it is too risky, and Whiskey Jack offers his nephew Harry Bluejay’s Buick in exchange. Johnny Appleseed then takes Shadow and Wednesday to find Harry. As they walk, Johnny explains that he... (full context)
Mythology, Belief, and Community Theme Icon
Life, Death, Desire, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
...South Dakota. Wednesday, still grumpy, grunts that they spent a month walking Backstage. After seeing Johnny Appleseed , Wednesday is very aware that America forgets even its own legends, much less the... (full context)