compare and contrast between drummer boy of Shiloh and civil war journal
To compare and contrast "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" and "Civil War Journal," let's look at the key similarities and differences between them:
Similarities:
1. Theme: Both stories are set during the American Civil War, focusing on the experiences of those involved in the conflict.
2. Historical Context: Both stories are based on real events and characters from the Civil War era.
3. Perspective: Both stories provide a window into the war through the eyes of young individuals.
Differences:
1. Format: "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" is a short story written by Ray Bradbury, while "Civil War Journal" is a television documentary series.
2. Medium: "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" is a fictional story, while "Civil War Journal" is non-fiction based on historical records and interviews.
3. Length: "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" is a relatively short narrative, while "Civil War Journal" consists of multiple episodes, offering a more comprehensive exploration of the war.
4. Focus: "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" centers around the fictional character Joby, a young drummer boy's experience during the Battle of Shiloh. "Civil War Journal" provides a broader overview of the entire Civil War, covering various battles, strategies, and key figures.
In summary, while both "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" and "Civil War Journal" explore the American Civil War, they differ in terms of format, medium, length, focus, and perspective. "Drummer Boy of Shiloh" is a fictional short story centered around the personal experience of a young drummer boy, while "Civil War Journal" is a non-fiction documentary series that gives a broader look at the war as a whole.
To compare and contrast "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" and "Civil War Journal," you would need to examine the similarities and differences between these two pieces of literature. Here's how you can analyze them:
1. Read and understand both works: Begin by reading "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" by Ray Bradbury and "Civil War Journal" by Louisa May Alcott. Take notes on the key elements of each story, such as characters, plot, and setting.
2. Identify similarities: Look for common themes, motifs, or events in both works. For example, both stories are set during the American Civil War and may involve characters who are affected by the conflict. Are there any shared messages or emotions conveyed in both works?
3. Examine differences: Note any significant differences between the two pieces. Consider the writing style, perspective, and storytelling techniques used by the authors. Are the characters portrayed differently? Do the stories focus on different aspects of the war?
4. Analyze writing techniques: Pay attention to the literary devices used in each work. Look for symbols, metaphors, or imagery that enhance the storytelling. Also, consider the authors' uses of language, dialogue, and descriptive elements that contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere.
5. Compare the themes: Identify the central themes or messages in both stories. Are they similar or distinct? For example, "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" may explore themes of courage and sacrifice, while "Civil War Journal" might focus on the role of women during wartime.
6. Consider the historical context: Keep in mind the time in which the authors wrote. "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" is a fictional short story written in 1960, whereas "Civil War Journal" is a non-fictional account by Alcott, who lived during the Civil War. Understanding the historical context can shed light on the perspectives and motivations behind each work.
7. Formulate your comparison: Based on your analysis of similarities and differences, craft a comparison essay or presentation highlighting the key points. Organize your thoughts around themes, characters, writing style, and historical context to support your comparisons.
Remember, the most effective comparison and contrast analyses come from close examination of the texts themselves. Personal interpretation and critical analysis are essential for a comprehensive understanding of these works.
The first story I’m comparing is “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” and it is about a young drummer boy named Joby who is camping with soldiers in a field near to Shiloh. He is afraid of marching into battle with no weapons but his drum and his drumsticks. Joby is afraid of dying and just as he starts to lose hope, a general comes up to him and re-motivates him. He explains to Joby how important a drummer boy’s job is and helps him calm down and become braver than he was before.
The second story, “The Finish of Patsy Barnes”, is about a young African-American boy who struggles with poverty, racism, and his mother’s health. He doesn’t like to go to school but instead, he likes to spend his time hanging around horses and stables. Patsy’s father died because of a young horse he was taming and later on, Patsy had to deal with the same horse. The racism that Patsy witnessed from the local doctor, and seeing his mother’s condition, motivated him to ride the same horse that killed his father just to earn money for a doctor and medicine for his mother. At the end of the story, Patsy wins the race and finds a good doctor for his mother, but he never tells his mother the horse’s name.
Both characters have many differences but they also have some similarities. Joby is an orphan, but Patsy’s mother is still alive. Joby and Patsy both face a main problem; Joby's bravery and Patsy’s being how he earns money to cure his mother. Time and place severely affect the characters’ reactions and emotions. Like when Joby had finished listening to the general’s pep talk and it was getting closer to the time for battle.