the red badge of courage :: essays research papers

A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Red Badge of Courage written by Stephen Crane B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This novel traces the effects of war on a Union Soldier named Henry Fleming. C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story begins with Henry Fleming’s dreams of being a soldier, to enlistment, and then to battle in the Civil War. His dream was to be a war hero and to be adored for his amazing achievements. It was his decision to make, even though his mother was against the idea of going to war. Since there was nothing happening during his monotonous life on the farm, he finally decided to enlist.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ironically, even after he enlists, he finds himself sitting around. He made two new friends named John Wilson and Jim Conklin. Wilson was as excited about going to war as Fleming, but Conklin was confident about the success of the new regiment. Henry began to realize that his regiment was just wandering aimlessly. Eventually, Henry began to think about the battles differently. He started to become afraid that he might run from the fight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Finally when the regiment discovers a battle, Jim gives Henry a packet in a yellow envelope, telling Henry that this will be his first and last battle. The regiment managed to hold off the rebels for the first charge, but then the rebels came back with the reinforcements driving back the regiment. One man attempted to flee, then another, and the situation soon began to snow ball. Henry became scared and confused when he saw his forces losing horribly. He finally got up and ran for cover.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Henry started to rationalize his behavior of running from the enemy. His first impression was that he was a coward. Later, he began to see how he saved his own life. He felt that nature did not want him to die even though his side was losing. He believed that he was intelligent for running and hopes that he will die in battle, just for spite. Henry then met up with Jim who watched their acquaintance die slowly. In the next charge, Henry starts asking the soldiers why they are running. He grabbed a fellow by the arm and asked him, not willing to let go. The man hit Henry over the head with the butt of his gun, giving him his first Red Badge of Courage. Henry stumbles around for a while until a cheery man comes up and helps him. At his regiment he confronts Wilson to ask him if he needs any help with his wound. He then gets back into battle.