Setting
It is this war that the "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" takes place during
The Civil War
The name of the main character in "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh"
Joby
This is what the general tells the drummer boy (what he is to the army)
He is the heart of the army
Askew
Askew (adjective) – not straight; crooked or tilted.
Sample Sentence: The picture frame hung askew on the wall after the wind slammed the door.
What imagery does the author use to describe the General in paragraph 22, and what effect does this imagery have?
Answers may vary.
Sample Answer: The author describes the smells of tobacco, sweat, horse, and leather. This shows the General as a real, gritty soldier and helps the story feel more historically realistic.
What kind of Orchard is the drummer boy hiding in?
A peach orchard.
Why it is a solemn night for a boy just turned fourteen
He knows he will be in his first battle soon.
This is why the drummer boy is so important to the army.
The drummer's beat keeps the soldiers together as an army
Muted
Muted (adjective) – quiet, soft, or subdued.
Sample Sentence: She spoke in a muted voice so no one outside the room could hear her.
In paragraphs 12 and 14, Bradbury compares Joby and his drum to toys. What does this repeated comparison emphasize about Joby’s role?
Answers may vary.
Sample Answer: It emphasizes that Joby feels small, young, and unimportant, like a toy, but it also shows how serious his role will become in battle.
This is the name of the creek that the story takes place near
Owl Creek
The reason that the drummer boy feels he will be in greater danger than the soldiers in the battle
He has no weapon to use for fighting the enemy and protecting himself
This is why the general stopped to talk with Joby
Joby was crying
Solemn
Solemn (adjective) – serious, formal, or showing deep respect.
Sample Sentence: The crowd grew solemn as the ceremony for the fallen soldiers began.
What do the peach blossoms symbolize in the story, and how does that symbol add meaning?
Answers may vary.
Sample Answer: The peach blossoms symbolize youth and innocence. Their falling suggests that Joby and other young soldiers will lose their innocence in battle.
*Daily Double Bonus*
This is the month of year that the story takes place.
April
What date did the real Battle of Shiloh take place?
Why the general cried
He thinks the war will last a long time
This is the reason the general says it is good for a soldier to cry before the fight
Because there won't be time to cry once the battle begins
Resolute
Resolute (adjective) – determined and firm in purpose.
Sample Sentence: He walked to the starting line with a resolute look, ready to finish the race no matter what.
In paragraph 52, there is an allusion to Longfellow. How is that allusion meant to affect Joby?
Answers may vary.
Sample Answer: The reference to Longfellow is meant to inspire Joby and make him proud. It helps him feel that what he does is important and remembered in history.
Why the author sets "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" before a battle instead of during a battle
To show that Joby learns to face his fear of the upcoming battle
This person stops to talk to the drummer boy
The General
How does the story end?
With Joby ready to do his job.
Helter-skelter
Helter-skelter (adverb/adjective) – in a messy, hurried, or haphazard way.
Sample Sentence: The students ran helter-skelter to get out of the rain when the storm started suddenly.
What would you say is the theme of “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh”? Why?
Answers may vary.
Sample Answer: The theme is that real courage means facing fear, not the absence of fear. Joby learns that being scared is natural but doing his duty anyway makes him brave.