The Drummer Boy of Shiloh

        I am currently reading The Drummer Boy of Shiloh by Ray Bradbury. The story is about a 14 year old boy named Joby. Joby is the drummer boy of Shiloh. From the story I can tell he is afraid that he won't  live at the end of the Battle of Shiloh. In this story, I believe Ray Bradbury is trying to project his voice and speak to his readers.
       I think when it says in the story,"Me, thought the boy, I got only a drum, two sticks to beat, and no shield.", Ray Bradbury, the author, is speaking. I say this because I think Ray Bradbury is saying to himself that Joby has a lot of nerves to be their by his own choice(Joby ran away from home to join the Army); it is risky to have no protection as a drummer boy.I think when it says no shield, Ray Bradbury is saying, "that's crazy." This is one reason why I think when it says in the story,"Me, thought the boy, I got only a drum, two sticks to beat, and no shield.", Ray Bradbury, the author, is speaking.
       Another reason I think when it says in the story,"Me, thought the boy, I got only a drum, two sticks to beat, and no shield.", Ray Bradbury, the author, is speaking, is because I think he is trying to talk to Joby. While Joby is thinking about this, he hears men talking around him about how they won't die; it sounds like Joby is convincing himself if they won't die, he will die since he has no protection against his opponents. Another reason why it sounds like Ray Bradbury is speaking, is because it sounds like Ray Bradbury is telling Joby as a character to call it quits, like being drummer boy is that important for you to risk your own life.This is another reason why I think when it says in the story,"Me, thought the boy, I got only a drum, two sticks to beat, and no shield.", Ray Bradbury, the author, is speaking.
       In conclusion,I believe Ray Bradbury is trying to project his voice and speak to his readers. I think it was a smart idea for Ray Bradbury to speak through this book. It's a great way to state his opinion.