Drummer boy of Shiloh

Love Rickerson                                                                                  
October 3, 2012                            The Drummer Boy of Shiloh    
807         

                            I recently read a short story called The Drummer Boy of Shiloh by Ray Bargundy.
It is about a drummer boy named Joby in the civil war who feels like he is not important as everyone else in the army. He feels like since he doesn't have a shield or weapon like everyone else, he doesn't really play an important role in the army and that he doesn't matter. But with the help of the General of the army, Joby's thoughts change throughout the story about the war. He realizes that he actually is important to the army, even though he thought he was just a drummer boy and nothing special.

                 In the beginning, Joby feels neglected with his part in the war. He feels as if he isn't important and that he doesn't matter. He feels this way because he sees how strong everyone looks with their shields and weapons, and all he has is a drum and two sticks. Joby isn't confident in himself and doesn't try to make the best out of the role that he plays in the army. He doesn't notice that you don't need a shield or any armor just to be considered important. But when Joby meets the general of the army, he then starts to gain more confidence in himself and doesn't feel so un-important anymore. One way that the general helps Joby realize how important he is in the army, is when the general tells him how just because he seems all strong and always ready to fight, he also breaks down and cries sometimes. This is important because this breaks a barrier  for Joby and he gets to see another side of the general. The general teaches him that just because of the things that you have, that doesn't define who you are, or how important you are than everyone else. Because at the end of the day, everyone matters, and everyone is a team. So just because there are people that are in the army fighting all the time, that doesn't mean that they are more important than Joby. Because if it weren't for the drummer boy, the soldiers would have no motivation or confidence in themselves. In the story, the general tells Joby; "Men actually die in war. So each is his own army. I got to make one army of them. And for that boy, I need you." This also gives Joby confidence in himself and helps him realize how important he is to the army. He recognizes that the way that he plays his drums, affects the way the soldiers fight. The way that Joby plays his drums, affects the ways that they move and fight. So, Joby now realizes how important he is and his thoughts about where he stands changes. He learns that no matter what role you have, if you're in a team, you always matter. What if Joby weren't there? The soldiers would have no motivation and wouldn't fight with as much energy and eagerness as they do when Joby beats his drums.

                          In the end, Joby's thoughts about where he stands in the army changes, and he realizes that he does matter. He learns that it doesn't matter what role you are in something, when it comes to a team. He gains confidence in himself and takes pride into what he does. I think that what the general told Joby really helped a lot because Joby no longer felt so worthless, so it helped him play better which helped out the soldiers.