Drummer Boy of Shiloh Reading Response

Theme Reading Response

Martin Drob 811

         In the Story I’m ready “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” by Ray Bradbury, the main character, Joby is going through a self-esteem issue.I think that Joby is definitely experiencing what most people my age are going through. Many people his age (14) are dealing with issues like self-confidence and self-esteem. I think he is definitely going through this himself. This changes over the course of the story though.

         On page 50, Joby says (thinks) “ Me, thought the boy, I got only a drum, two sticks to beat and no shield”. This quote definitely shows he doesn’t think he is an importance to the war. He looks at all he real soldiers and thinks he isn’t one of them. I totally understand where he is coming from. I haven’t dealt with wars, but whenever I see my brothers, they are both successful and make a lot of money I always think to myself “I hope I become like them”. In this regard I am definitely like Joby.

         The thing that snaps Joby out of this self-confidence issue is meeting and speaking to the general. The general insures Joby that he is important to the war. One time he says, “You are the heart of this war” I think this definitely helps Joby with this issue especially coming from a General. The General even tells him (Joby) that he will become the general after this war.

         In conclusion this character undergoes serious change through out this story. I think that the change he went through is something many teenagers go through even now. Feelings and emotions are timeless. I think that this is one of the most important elements of the story.