The Drummer Boy
of Shiloh
by
Ray Bradbury
1. Where is the drummer boy
when the story begins? What
is he waiting for?

The boy is lying under a peach tree, as he
awaits the next day’s battle.
2. According to the boy, what is
his only defense?

His only defense is his drum, which, he
says, is no more than a toy.
3. Describe the General. What does
he say to help the drummer boy,
Joby, understand his own
importance?

The General is a wise and experienced
soldier. He tells Joby that the beat of the
boy’s drum will inspire the soldiers to
make their best effort; he says that Joby is
the heart of the army.
4. What does Joby do to his
drum at the end of the story?

He turns it so the top of the drum faces
the sky.
5. How does the drummer boy feel
about his situation? Why does
he consider remaining behind
when the fighting begins?

The drummer boy is frightened, lonely,
and vulnerable. He considers staying
behind because he fears for his life.
6. How are Joby and the
General alike?

Both Joby and the General are fearful, and
both have shed tears over the prospect of
the next day’s battle.
7. What is ironic, or unexpected, in
the dialogue between the
General and the drummer boy?
How is the boy the “heart of the
army”?

The importance that the General attaches
to the boy’s role is unexpected. The
General suggests that the boy is the
“heart” of the army in that he believes his
drumming will inspire the troops.
8. Why do you think Joby turns
his drum to face the sky?

Joby turns his drum face up because he
has accepted his role.
9. Why, in your opinion, does
the General say what he does
to the drummer boy? Do you
think it was wise for the General
to speak so frankly to the boy?

The General is doing for the boy what he
wants the boy to do for the soldiers—he is
trying to inspire him.
10. Joby is fourteen years old.
Why do you think he and
other soldiers enlisted to
fight in the Civil War? Why
do people enlist in the
armed services today?

Joby may have enlisted because he longed
to do something heroic—to fight for
freedom. Many people today enlist for the
same reason.
11. What advice does the
General give to Joby?

The General advises Joby to cry now and
get it out of his system. He tells Joby to
beat a sure, steady, long rhythm to keep
the soldiers going.
12. How does Joby feel at the
end of the story?

Joby feels more prepared and focused for
the battle to come.
13. What is historical context?

The actual political and
social events and trends
of the time—can explain
why characters act and
think the way they do.
Look for factual details
that link the text to a
specific place and time
period.

EXAMPLE
It was a long day of
traveling. It was time to
stop and rest for the night.
The horses were tired and
needed fresh water. The
children were already fast
asleep in the warmth and
comfort of the family’s
covered wagon. Darkness
was everywhere except for
the multitude of stars and
full yellow moon that lit up
the night sky.
Vocabulary
14. Serious

solemn
15. In a twisted way; crookedly

askew
16. A divine blessing or the
condition of being blessed

benediction
17. The state of living or lasting
forever

immortality
18. In a way that follows the
rules; legally

legitimately
19. Without speaking; silently

mutely
The End