The Red Badge of Courage

“At times, he enviously regarded the wounded soldiers. He conceived persons with torn bodies to be peculiarly happy. He wished that he, too, had a wound, a red badge of courage.”― Stephen Crane, The Red Badge of Courage

The story is about Henry Fleming, an Eighteen-year-old Private in the army who has romantic notions about war’s glories. He wonders whether he will remain brave in the face of fear or run like a coward if and when he finally goes to his first battle. It’s been a while since he enlisted but until then he hasn’t seen any action yet. His worry was comforted when a friend named Jim Conklin admitted that he would run from battle if his fellow soldiers also fled.

Henry eventually fought in a battle and, at first, he doesn’t do too badly but in the second round of fighting, his fear grew and he deserts his regiment. In his flee, Henry encountered more soldiers- some injured and dying, most in a state of disarray. Ashamed, conflicted, and feeling guilty, Henry tries to rationalize his decision.

Henry wasn’t injured in the battle but was hit in the head by a panicked soldier. Exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and now wounded, Henry decides to come back to his regiment. When he came back, the other soldiers thought he was injured while fighting with them. Henry goes on to his next battle comforted by the thought that his cowardice was unnoticed and he proved himself to be a decent soldier.

From then Henry’s internal conflict, his reflection on his previous actions, his bravery and cowardice pursue.

They say it takes more courage to retreat than to advance. Join Henry as he dwells on which is more important to him between life and honor.

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