the red badge of courage :: essays research papers

A. The Red Badge of Courage written by Stephen exsertB. This novel traces the effects of war on a Union Sol back upr named Henry Fleming. C.The story begins with Henry Flemings dreams of being a soldier, to enlistment, and thento fighting in the Civil War. His dream was to be a war hero and to be adored for his amazingachievements. It was his decision to make, even though his mother was against the motif of goingto war. Since there was nothing happening during his monotonous life on the farm, he finallydecided to enlist. Ironically, even after he enlists, he finds himself seated around. He made two new friendsnamed John Wilson and Jim Conklin. Wilson was as excited about going to war as Fleming, butConklin was confident about the succeeder of the new regiment. Henry began to realize that hisregiment was just wandering aimlessly. Eventually, Henry began to think about the battlesdifferently. He started to become afraid that he might triumph from the fight. Finally when the regi ment discovers a battle, Jim gives Henry a packet in a yellowenvelope, telling Henry that this will be his first and abide battle. The regiment valetaged to hold offthe rebels for the first charge, but then the rebels came back with the reinforcements driving backthe regiment. One man attempted to flee, then another, and the situation curtly began to snow ball.Henry became scared and confused when he saw his forces losing horribly. He finally got up andran for cover. Henry started to rationalize his behavior of running from the enemy. His first effectwas that he was a coward. Later, he began to see how he saved his own life. He felt that naturedid not want him to die even though his side was losing. He believed that he was intelligent forrunning and hopes that he will die in battle, just for spite. Henry then met up with Jim whowatched their acquaintance die slowly. In the next charge, Henry starts asking the soldiers whythey are running. He grabbed a fellow by the arm and asked him, not willing to let go. The man hitHenry over the head with the butt of his gun, giving him his first Red Badge of Courage. Henrystumbles around for a while until a brave man comes up and helps him. At his regiment heconfronts Wilson to ask him if he needs any help with his wound. He then gets back into battle.