The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

     In The Drummer Boy of Shiloh by Ray Bradbury, the general speaks to Joby, but during their conversation, the author includes some details about what the general is doing. I think that these details show the general's character by "showing, not telling." They help you get a better idea of the general and who he is.

     "He had many eyes. No, not eyes, brass buttons that watched the boy."-excerpt from The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

     I think this shows that the general is cautious. He isn't reckless, like other, younger soldiers. He watches everything closely to analyze the people around him. He seems all-knowing and wise. I think this might cause the general to trust anyone too much without seeing who they are and if he can rely on them. 

     "The general must have taken out a cigar now, for the dark was suddenly filled with the Indian smell of tobacco unlighted yet, but chewed as the man thought what next to say."-excerpt from The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

     The fact that the general didn't light the cigar yet show that he is patient and thinks before he does something, once again in contrast to the reckless soldiers. He thinks before he acts.

     I also think that the unlighted cigar symbolizes Joby's feeling towards being the drummer boy. When this excerpt appears, Joby still hasn't realized his part in the army, therefore the "cigar" is still unlit. It foreshadows that something will be "lit" or realized.

     "The general stopped and made a little pile of leaves and twigs in the dark as if he might at any moment strike fire to them to see his way through the coming days when the sun might not show its face because of what was happening just beyond."-excerpt from The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

     I think the general made his guiding light. The general is creating this beacon of hope for Joby, and that's what this pile the general is making for Joby. It becomes Joby's idea that he's important, which will guide him through the battle, even if he is scared.

     In conclusion, these details show the generals cautious sand wise character, as well as create a symbol for what realization is to come.