In the beginning of the story, Joby doubted himself and did not believe he had any part in the battle. He felt useless. He watched the soldiers come beck from the war injured, hurt, and exhausted from all the fighting they had done. They were maybe 3 or 4 years older than Joby. They were sick, tired, and even suffering, but none of them gave up. Joby on the other hand, did not feel exhausted or hurt, because (according to him) he had done nothing in this war to help his side of the union. He felt fine, even healthy!
Joby felt like he was the only person on the field who wouldn't die. He was even persuaded that he was alone, going to live a happy life after this, and sing the hula until he died with all the other people who had survived. He would always be ashamed of his role during the war and could possibly never live with the memory through his life. The soldiers unlike Joby were representing their part of the union (the north) and Joby was just there to watch. He was the "guy in the way" of this battle. For example in the text, the author quoted- "Me. I'm the one of all who won't die." He fells like he is the one playing the "Jumba" while the others are actually getting the job done!
In the end, after the General gave Joby the long, touching speech, Joby realized that he was as important as anyone else in this battle. He was the only one in this battle who was giving the soldiers a rhythm. He could control their intensity. He would put the beat slow, the soldiers would go slow. He would beat the drum fast, the soldiers would move fast. He was in charge when the General wasn't there. After this intense speech, Joby wiped his eyes, stood up with his chest up and was proud of his position. He was happy to be a drummer boy and was representing the union as much as anyone, who was on the battlefield. He was proud.
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