In the story, "The Drummer Boy Of Shiloh", Ray Bradbury uses peach blossoms to symbolize character change throughout the story. Joby, a fourteen year old boy serves a a drummer boy in the Civil War. He looks at himself unimportant, weak and worthless.
The first line of the story starts with a description of peach blossoms falling lightly from a peach tree. It also mentions a peach stone (or pit). I think the peach stone falling, represents Joby in the beginning of the story. He is young and innocent, but yet must go into the bloodiest battle of the war. The peach stone also represents Joby in the beginning of the story in a way where, the fruit has rotted away, and there is no more protection. Joby only has a drum, and nothing to shield himself.
The next time they mention peach blossoms is in the rising action. Quote, "Nothing stayed put, nothing had a name. Nothing was as it once was." This quote really illustrates Joby's confusion. i think that Joby feels alone, knowing that he can't count on anything any longer. This connects to the peach blossoms because this was right before, the moth was the peach blossom, and then the peach blossom was a moth.
The next time the peach blossom is mentioned, the general is speaking to Joby. The peach blossoms aren't directly mentioned, but i think it is referred to. the general says, "There's your cheek, fell right from the tree overhead." I think this line is referring to how young Joby is. he still only has peach fuzz on his chin and is still a young innocent boy. But i think the General is trying to empathize with Joby, but at the same time, not let his innocence give him an excuse to go softly into the battle.
The last reference of the peach blossom is in the last line of the story. Quote, "very close to the church named Shiloh, the peach blossoms fell on the drum." This quote, I think, shows how Joby has grown emotionally, and has taken pride and responsibility in being a drummer boy.
From beginning to end, Joby started as a pit, innocent and scared, and blossomed into a young man with courage and pride to win the Battle of Shiloh.
