Blog post #4: response for "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" by Ray Bradbury

                         Drummer Boy of Shiloh is about a drummer boy who doesn't feel needed or important in the war he is taking part in. Then of course the general, also the father figure and leader of the story comes in and comforts Joby in a way that any father would. So in a way the general is the solution to Joby's problem.

                         In the beginning of the story Joby thinks he's not an important part, or any part of the army. He describes himself making himself seem useless. Like when he said all he had was a drum and two sticks to drum it with. With that he also describes the soldiers in a way to make it seem like they are faithful about living through the war. For example, when he says "There wasn't a man-boy on this ground tonight did not have a shield he cast, riveted or carved himself on his way to his first attack, compounded of remote but nonetheless firm and fiery family devotion, flag-blown patriotism and cocksure immortality
strengthened by the touchstone of very real gunpowder, ramrod, minieball and flint." he is saying the motivations they have to winning. So by saying this along side the problem, he is showing that he has no drive or reason of this war.

                         The way the general resolves Joby's problem is by making Joby feel a part of the force, or team also army. For example "hereʼs a soldier crying before the fight. Good. Get it over. Wonʼt be time once it all starts.” In that quote general is making Joby feel like he is just as good as the soldiers, by saying that Joby is "another soldier" crying before the war. As the leader of the group the general has to do this in order for Joby to put in as much effort as possible, and Joby would only do that if he feels part of the team.

                         In conclusion the Joby is comforted by the general by the father like actions of the general. For example in one part of the story, the general says that Joby is the heart of the army. This is usually what present day people think would be a good example of a father figure, or any leader type of person.