Failing hope, thundering confusion, and crushing fear dominate the chaotic scenes of battle present in The Red Badge of Courage; but “[selfless]” (120) valiancy occasionally shines as a glimmer of sunlight in the swirling storm. Fighting in any setting reveals not only the beautifully honorable but also the horribly despicable characteristics in people. In Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage, war functions as the ideal background to explore emotions and actions present in the soldiers. Cowardice, courage, heroism, and bravery are possible pathways of each man; they must fight within themselves to determine their prevailing trait. Focusing on young Henry Fleming, Crane presents cowardice as the dread of uncertainty. “As far as war [is] concerned [Henry knows] nothing of himself” (9); his reactions to the pressures of battle are unknown. Later, Henry’s cowardly flight from battle results from “exhaustion” (45) and “[exaggeration of the enemies’] endurance” (45); Henry also does not want to be deserted if the other soldiers flee. The sense of cowardice in fighting continues to …show more content…
Crane uses the insignificant events and major actions of the soldiers of both armies to display these revered characteristics; courage fuels bravery, and bravery incites heroism. Crane’s injured soldiers bear “the red badge of courage” (61) from their experiences in battle, but they must also courageously brace for the looming battle to heal their injuries and survive. “The tattered man” (59) shows bravery by risking his own health to assist Henry and Jim; bravery propels Henry, Wilson, and the lieutenant to the front of the regiment’s attack. Heroism appears as Henry races with the lofty flag into battle. The small portion of opposing soldiers at the last fight heroically defends their ground, and the flag bearer remains loyally by his