The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

In the short story "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" by Ray Bradbury, there are many references to peach blossoms. I think that these references have significance to the story and to that main character Joby's feelings.

The references to peach blossoms in the beginning of the story reflect how Joby feels in the beginning of the story. The reference is the peach pit dropping of Joby's drum (Joby is a drummer boy). Ray Bradbury compares the peach pit dropping on the drum to panic. This definitely reflects Joby's feelings at the beginning of the book because he is panicked and anxious for the battle in the morning.

The reference in the middle of the story shows how Joby feels in the middle of the story. The quote is "A moth brushed his face, but it was a peach blossom. A peach blossom flicked him, but it was a moth. Nothing stayed put. Nothing had a name. Nothing was how it once was." I think this represents Joby's feelings in the middle of the story. It also is a very good description of the night before a battle. It implies that everything has changed, and it cant change back. This quote really brings you right into the story, on the night before the battle of Shiloh.

At the end of the story, the last reference has a general feeling of calm. Peach blossoms fall on the drum and it is a relaxing image. This shows how at the end of the book, Joby has a feeling of calm, if only for  the night.

In conclusion, the references to peach trees all reflect Joby's feelings throughout the story. In the beginning he is panicked, in the middle he is confused, and in the end he is calm and relaxed.