The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

The conflict in " The Drummer Boy of Shiloh", by Ray Bradbury is that Joby, the protagonist, feels like his role in the army isn't important. He thinks this because he isn't fighting in battles; he's playing the drums.

The conflict is resolved because the general of the army talks to Joby. He said, " You are the heart of the army. Think about that. You are the heart of the army. Listen to me now." I think what he means is that the sound of the drum represents the army in a way. When the soldiers come back from war, when they think of their experience in the army, what will keep coming up in their head is the sound of the drum. Also, the beat of the drum shows the world that the soldiers are near. In a way, it's sort of like their team mascot. It isn't very cheery, but it's symbolizing the reality of the situation.

I can connect this to my life, because in Drama class when people get cast for the play, there are some big parts, some average parts, and some parts which only have one line. The people who get the very small parts feel like they are not part of the production. But the one line that they have may just be the most powerful line in the entire play. It might also completely change the way an audience member is thinking. I think that every little bit counts because without the small characters, there would only be a few characters in the entire play.

I think Joby needed this encouragement because without it, he would just be going on with his job not thinking it's important or necessary. Now he realizes that the whole army is dependent on his job. He can now perform his job with pride, knowing that it matters to not only the general, but the army.