Setting the Scene
Where does The Drummer Boy of Shiloh take place?
In a Civil War army camp the night before the Battle of Shiloh.
What is one big theme in The Drummer Boy of Shiloh?
Courage in the face of fear.
What does the General wear that shows he is an experienced soldier?
A dusty, sweaty blue uniform.
How old is Joby?
14 years old.
What does Joby’s drum symbolize?
The heartbeat of the army and leadership in battle.
What is Joby lying under at the beginning of the story?
A peach tree.
How does Joby feel at the beginning of the story?
Scared, nervous, and unsure of his role in the battle.
How does the General describe his soldiers?
He says most of them are young and untrained.
Why is Joby scared before the battle?
He has no weapon and feels small compared to the soldiers.
What do the peach blossoms falling on Joby represent?
The fragility of life and the idea that soldiers may not survive the battle.
What are two sounds Joby hears while lying awake?
The breathing of sleeping soldiers and falling peach blossoms.
What does the General tell Joby to help him feel more confident?
That his drumming will lead and inspire the soldiers.
What advice does the General give Joby?
That his drumming will lead and give courage to the soldiers.
What does Joby think about his role at the start of the story?
He thinks he is not important in the army.
Why does Joby feel unprepared for battle?
He has no weapon and thinks he doesn’t have an important role.
How does the setting make Joby feel at the beginning of the story?
He feels small, scared, and unimportant.
How does the setting (a dark, quiet night) connect to the story’s theme?
It represents fear, uncertainty, and the calm before the storm of battle.
How does the General show that he cares about Joby?
He kneels down, talks to him calmly, and helps him feel important.
How does Joby’s thinking change after talking to the General?
He realizes that his drumming is an important job that can inspire soldiers.
How does the General change Joby’s perspective on war?
He tells Joby that his drumming will give the soldiers confidence and courage.
What does the dark night before battle symbolize in the story?
Fear, uncertainty, and the unknown future of war.
What lesson does Joby learn by the end of the story?
That every role is important, and he must find the courage to do his duty.
What does the General mean when he says Joby is "the heart of the army"?
That his drumming sets the pace and spirit for the soldiers in battle.
What does Joby’s drum symbolize by the end of the story?
Leadership, courage, and the heartbeat of the army.
What does the quiet night before battle symbolize?
Fear, uncertainty, and the unknown future of war.