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. 1. Describe the development of the main character. 2. Discuss how the plot develops throughout the novel. 3. Describe themes in the novel and trace their development throughout the text. 4. Cite textual evidence to support discussion of the novel. 5. 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! 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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?
The Plot My Brother Sam is Dead traces part of the Revolutionary War in Connecticut and New York as seen through the experiences of young Tim Meeker and his family as they are pulled toward both sides of the conflict. As you read, fill in the boxes for each element of the novel s plot.
The Character of Tim Meeker My Brother Sam is Dead focuses on Tim Meeker and his observations of the Revolutionary War as they relate to his personal maturity. For each of the instances below, identify a passage from the novel. Then discuss what the author is trying to convey through it. Example Passage from the Novel What the Author is Trying to Convey 1. Tim looks up to and admires his older brother, Sam. (Ch. 1) 2. Tim wants to experience some adventure during the war. (Ch. 5) 3. Tim outsmarts the kidnappers on his way home. (Ch. 9) 4. Tim is angry and disgusted when British troops kill several innocent people in Redding. (Ch. 10) 5. Tim gives up trying to save Sam. (Ch. 14)
The Setting My Brother Sam is Dead tells a story of family loyalty and disagreements set against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War. Use the spaces below to describe the main settings in the novel from the war to the tavern. In the first column, type or write direct quotes from the text phrases and sentences that are used to show what it s like throughout the story. In the second column, explain in your own words what the author is trying to convey about the setting. An example has been completed for you. Direct Quote Related to Setting We ve beat the British in Massachusetts, he shouted... the Minutemen hid in the fields along the roads and massacred them all the way back to Boston. (Ch. 1) Your Explanation Sam s comments show the beginnings of the Revolutionary War as seen through the eyes of a young Patriot.
Tracking Themes What does it all mean?... In My Brother Sam is Dead, James Lincoln and Christopher Collier addresses the themes of life in wartime, the illusion of glory, and family disagreements. See if you can identify and analyze those themes in the diary. Step 1: What parts of the plot seem related to a possible theme in the novel? (Think about the main conflict and how it get resolved or worked out.) Step 2: Which characters seem related to a possible theme? Which characters change, and what do those changes suggest about life in wartime, the illusion of glory, and family disagreements? Step 3: How does the author use symbols to hint at the novel s themes? What objects, people, or places stand for something bigger in the story? Step 4: What does the novel s title suggest about the novel s theme? Step 5: Write one or two of the novel s main themes in your own words.
Talk About It What do you think about My Brother Sam is Dead? Could you identify with Tim as he struggled to choose sides in the war? In the space below each question, write an answer based on your own experiences and your own understanding of the novel. Include some textual evidence or examples that helped you arrive at your answer. 1. My Brother Sam is Dead is told from the point of view of Tim Meeker, a preteen boy who feels torn between sides in the Revolutionary War. How do you think the story would differ if it was told from the point of view of Sam or Mr. Meeker? Textual Evidence or Examples: 2. Tim is put in a precarious position in which he feels torn between his brother s Patriot beliefs and his father s Tory position. If you were Tim, which side would you have supported and why? Textual Evidence or Examples:
Represent! Show what you know... Show what you know about My Brother Sam is Dead and its relevance to your life. Choose one of these projects to complete and share with your teacher, classmates, and others. Choice 1: Point of View The novel centers on Tim Meeker and his family s struggles during the Revolutionary War. Since the novel is told from Tim s point of view, the reader never hears from Sam, Mr. Meeker, or Mrs. Meeker themselves, though. Create and perform a monologue as Sam Meeker, Mr. Meeker, or Mrs. Meeker to try to gain more insight into hi/her as a character. Be sure to write your monologue in the form of a drama. Choice 2: The Revolutionary War My Brother Sam is Dead sheds light on some of the internal strife, characters, and battles of the Revolutionary War. There is still much to learn, though. Research and learn about the Revolutionary War. Find out the reasons for the war, its major characters, and key battles during the war. Create a Powerpoint presentation to share this information. Be sure to present any battles you discuss in chronological order.