The three texts, “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” by Ray Bradbury, Soldier’s Heart Gary Paulsen and Civil War Journal by Louisa May Alcott share the common theme of the importance of an individual’s contribution during the Civil War. Judy from “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh,” contributes because he motivates the army through his work as a drummer boy. Charley from Soldier’s Heart helps by giving up his family to go fight in the war. By helping wounded soldiers, Louisa May Alcott contributes greatly to the Civil War. Therefore, it was important to contribute because it demonstrated pride for whatever side you were on.
Joby in “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” contributed by encouraging the soldiers to push through and work hard. In the text it says, “”Now, boy,” said the General quietly, “you are the heart of the
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In the text it says, “Well, here it is- my chance to be a man. A boy wouldn’t go off to earn eleven dollars a month and wear a uniform.” This shows how he is giving up his childhood to be a soldier. He understands that once he fights in this war he will no longer be the young “child” he was before. Another example from the text is, “He wasn’t any boy. He was going to sign to be a man and he knew a way to do it.” This demonstrates how he is willing to leave his family and everything he has to go fight in the war. He wanted to show he had as much national pride as the adults did. Lastly, “If she had known and and could tell him what would come of it, she would have fought to drag him back and the federal government could keep their eleven dollars a month.” This illustrates how dangerous the war was. Here, his mother is saying how she would have made him stay home and not given into his pleads if she knew how much trouble he would be going into. Therefore, Charley shows his pride for his side because he does a lot to make sure he is in the army and can