The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

In the story "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh", the main character, Joby, a 14 year old boy, ran away from home and has entered the war to become the drummer boy.  At first, Joby is really nervous and uncertain about going through with the fight, But when the general hears him crying, he goes to help Joby realize how important he really is and that he needs to stay strong.

In the passage, it says, "Nothing was as it once was", this makes me think how much things really change. Your environment, lifestyle, and people change. Also, how much things change people and other things. This war will change families, friends, and even the earth itself. there will always be memories of what it was once, but it will never be the same no matter what. No solider will ever be the same,  and no family of the solider will either. Joby is just a kid and his whole life depends on the next few days pretty much. And even before the war Joby has so much fear and regret, what happens when all this is done and all he has is nightmares of these few days left, with nothing to even look forward to, won't that be worse?

The general helps Joby move on from his feelings of fear and doubt and get to a better place. I think this relates to the part of the story that says, "the soldiers can only give as good as they get". If Joby can get to a good place emotionally, then he can give a good beat and lead a good war.

Also, when the general says, "I even did some last night" (referring to the fact that he cried), i think he means that crying helps you move on. it helps you get closure on your bad feelings and thoughts, and let go to move forward with your life. Joby needs to let go of his fears and move on to a happier time, and there will be one.  He also has to physically move on  with his life and get out and do what his country is depending on him for. 

The General helps him gain strength in his heart to go with the war, and Joby will be able to pass that around his family and friends to help them in their time of need as well.