Essay On "The Drummer Boy Of Shiloh"

The book "The Drummer Boy Of Shiloh" Is a book about this boy, named Joby, Who is 14 years old, and is to be the drummer boy of Shiloh. Joby is afraid to be the drummer boy, and he also feels like he is useless and he won't help the soldiers of the war at all even though he will. I guess thats the two main things that worry Joby throughout the whole story. But something i focused on was how Joby changed from the beginning of the story to the end of the story, to me, Joby changed quite alot.

Joby had thought that he was a useless part of the war, and he wouldn't have came to use, he thought that he wouldn't have helped the war or the soldiers in anyway, being in the war joby didn't have any confidence in himself, Joby was also worried about not surviving in the war, he thought that he might be the only one that might not survive. "Me, thought the boy, i got only a drum and 2 sticks to beat it, and no shield" That proves that Joby was afraid if he got hurt in the war, he wouldn't have a shield to protect himself, and he would be unprotected. he could get hurt at any time.

Joby was crying over the fact that he isn't protected and over the fact that he wouldn't be any use in the war, made him cry. I guess like any normal teenage boy, wanted to go home to his family and not be a part of the war. Joby has no confidence in himself at all about the war. "You want to cry some more? Go ahead, i did the same last night" This sentence that the general had said in the story proves that the general could relate to Joby in some way. He knew how Joby felt about being the drummer boy.

"You'll run them through from me then, boy?" the general asked "Yes Sir" Joby replied, full of confidence, by the end of the book, Joby was happy to be the drummer boy, in fact he seemed excited. I guess it was normal for him to be excited, he got a really nice talk complimenting him and stating how important he is to the army, and how his effort and spirit beating the drums, will keep the army going, and if they win it will all be due to Joby.

"You are the heart of the army, think about that" the general spoke making Joby feel better. Joby was listening to the general carefully, the general made Joby feel confident, special and useful. The general made Joby realized that he will be safe with the soldiers  as long as he beats his drums, the soldiers will keep moving and that will keep Joby safe. In the first two paragraphs, Joby was afraid but he changed throughout the story, and was more confident about who he is.