Which Side? Have you ever been caught in the middle of an argument between friends? One friend presents his case, and you agree with it. Then the other friend presents her case, and you agree with her. That is how it is with Tim in My Brother Sam is Dead, except he is caught in the middle of a much larger argument involving taking sides in the Revolutionary War. Be a Better Reader As you work through the study guide for My Brother Sam is Dead, you’ll also practice these skills, which will help you when you read novels in the future, for school assignments or just for fun. Describe the development of the main character. Discuss how the plot develops throughout the novel. Describe themes in the novel and trace their development throughout the text. Cite textual evidence to support discussion of the novel. Describe and analyze the role of setting in the novel. Behind the Scenes The Revolutionary War lasted from 1775 to 1783. After years of being British colonies, many Americans had grown tired of the restrictions imposed on them from the distant European continent. The colonists did not have a voice in the British government and had no control over the taxes imposed upon them; thus the saying “No taxation without representation.” As American militia gathered in the colonies, the British prepared to forcibly make the unruly colonies fall in line. War erupted, however, with the publication of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Citizens of the colonies split regarding which side to choose. Some citizens followed the Patriots advocating for freedom, while others, known as Tories, remained loyal to the British crown. Fighting raged all along the East Coast until the British army surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. Skirmishes continued until the Treaty of Paris creating the United States of America was signed in 1783. Get This! My Brother Sam is Dead contains several symbols. Be sure to notice and try to figure out the symbolism of Brown Bess, cows, and letters. The story is told from the point of view of Tim, a pre‐teen boy living in America during the Revolutionary War. As you read, think about how the story would differ if told from the point of view of Sam, Mr. Meeker, or Mrs. Meeker.
As you read, consider the position Tim has been put in during the war. He can see the shortcomings, but also the promises of both sides. Which side would you favor if you were Tim?