Themes
Initially becoming a strong, bold figure, but in reality finding self-confidence, composure, and acceptance.
What is manhood?
A wounded man to tries to befriend Henry only to be abandoned to die alone.
Who is the tattered soldier?
Henry's biggest fear about fighting in the war, which ultimately proves to be true.
What is running away?
"He felt that in this crisis his laws of life were useless. Whatever he had learned of himself was here of no avail. He was an unknown quantity."
What were Henry's thoughts about his own confidence to face battle?
Stephen Crane usually wrote books in this particular style.
What is realistic fiction?
This theme is represented when Henry encounters a decaying corpse of a soldier.
What is nature's indifference to humanity?
Who is Henry's mom?
An object that hit Henry in the head, causing it to bleed and become a fake "red badge of courage."
What is a retreating soldier's gun?
"He now thought that he wished he was dead. He believed he envied those men whose bodies lay strewn over the grass of the fields and on the fallen leaves of the forest."
What quote demonstrates the worst from of cowardice seen in the story?
Stephen Crane's first novel that discusses the horrible living conditions of the slums.
What is Maggie?
This theme contradicts Henry's childish perspective on this topic.
What is the reality of war?
A loud, abrasive soldier who has a strong fear of death.
Who is Wilson?
Henry takes over this position after the previous one is killed in battle.
What is a flag bearer?
"He suddenly lost concern for himself, and forgot to look at a menacing fate. He became not a man but a member. He felt that something of which he was a part—a regiment, an army, a cause, or a country—was in a crisis."
Which is the first sign of Henry understanding of working with others, not for himself?
It is what happens when you are shot in war.
What is a "red badge of courage?"
When a pinecone Henry throws after fleeing the battle makes a squirrel scurry, he believes that he has stumbled upon a universal truth: each being will do whatever it takes, including running from danger, in order to preserve itself.
What is self-preservation?
A calm, collected soldier who's perspective on courage and life highly contrast Henry's.
Who is Jim Conklin?
What Henry realizes when he sees the captured Confederate soldiers.
What is "we are all soldiers separated by different sides?"
"Thoughts of his comrades came to him. The brittle blue line had withstood the blows and won. He grew bitter over it. It seemed that the blind ignorance and stupidity of those little pieces had betrayed him. He had been overturned and crushed by their lack of sense in holding the position, when intelligent deliberation would have convinced them that it was impossible."
What was Henry's thoughts about his regiment fighting back while he deserted?
An unknown sequel by Stephen Crane that portrays an elderly Henry Fleming recalling his experiences to his friends and grandson.
What is "The Veteran?"
The main theme of the novel; implies many varying viewpoints on one central theme.
What is courage?
This once naive soldier emerges at the end of the novel a true man ready to conquer to the future.
Who is Henry Fleming?
After the final battle, Henry reflects on his past experiences over the last few days. While he regrets many of his decisions, he also admits that he was just a naive and unknowing youth.
When does Henry make the transition to manhood?
"And, furthermore, how could they kill him who was the chosen of gods and doomed to greatness?"
What quote implies that Henry's search of courage is at a heavy cost?
This real life battle in the American Civil War is what many believe to have inspired the events of The Red Badge of Courage.
What is the Battle of Chancellorsville?