Historical Fiction. “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” is a good example of historical fiction. Historical fiction tells a story that is partly based on actual historical events and is partly made up. Writers of historical fiction use specific details to make the past come alive in the reader’s imagination. As you read, look for details that show that the story occurs in a particular time and place, revealing actual historical events.
Metaphor and Simile. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is spoken or written about as if it were another. This figure of speech invites the reader to make a comparison between the two things. A metaphor works because the things to be compared have one or more qualities in common. A simile also compares one thing to another, but while using the word like or as. In “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh,” the author describes the main character’s feelings and surroundings in various vivid ways, including with metaphor and simile. As you read the story, complete a graphic organizer like the one to the right with examples of metaphor and simile. Two examples have been provided for you.
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- This short story takes place during the American Civil War (1861–1865).
- History Connection. Confederate troops launched a surprise attack on Union soldiers on April 6, 1862, beginning what would become known as the Battle of Shiloh. The battle’s name came from a church near the site of the battle.
- Tens of thousands of young teenage boys joined the Confederate and Union armies as drummers and buglers. Most of them also took on additional responsibilities—both on and off the battlefield.
What have you done to get through a night when you were nervous or scared?
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