The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

“The Drummer Boy of Shiloh”

Background Information

Background Information • Battle of Shiloh was a MAJOR battle in the American Civil War • Lasted only 2 days – April 6th and April 7th of 1862 • Took place in southwestern Tennessee

Background Information A “small, backwoods church with the name of Shiloh . . . . would give its name to the battle that would swirl around it.”

Background Information • The Union (the North) was led by General Ulysses S.Grant

• The Confederacy (the South) was led by General Albert Sidney Johnston

Background Information • The Confederacy decisively won the first day of battle

• However, the tide turned quickly and ultimately Grant and the Union won

Background Information • Approximately 25,000 men were slaughtered in two days • Bloodiest battle in US history at its time

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 1. lunar –

2. solemn – 3. askew -

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 1. lunar – of or pertaining to the moon

2. solemn – 3. askew -

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 1. lunar – of or pertaining to the moon

2. solemn – gloomy or somber 3. askew -

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 1. lunar – of or pertaining to the moon

2. solemn – gloomy or somber 3. askew - crooked

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 4. basting – 5. benediction – 6. bindle(d) –

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 4. basting – to pour liquid over meat while cooking 5. benediction – 6. bindle(d) –

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 4. basting – to pour liquid over meat while cooking 5. benediction – a blessing, typically given at the end of a worship service 6. bindle(d) –

Some vocabulary that might aid your comprehension: 4. basting – lkdaldkl 5. benediction - a blessing, typically given at the end of a worship service

6. bindle(d) – to tie together as with a rope

Comprehension Check What indications in the story show that Joby is afraid?

Comprehension Check At the beginning of the story, what is Joby’s perspective or point of view about his role in the war? Compare his perspective with the general’s perspective.

Comprehension Check What is significant about how Joby joined the army?

Comprehension Check The general comforts Joby by saying he also cried (paragraph 32). What is different about why the two characters cried?

Comprehension Check Summarize the drummer boy’s importance to the army, according to the general.

Comprehension Check Notice how paragraph 46, beginning, “So bring the right . . . “ speeds up the pace of the story. Examine the paragraph and determine how the author makes the reader and Joby feel the excitement of the general.