Coming of age means that a person has matured and taken steps toward adulthood. Coming of age shows independence and growth in an individual. Being brave and courageous are also characteristics of someone who has come of age. This is a common theme between the The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane and screenwriter John Houston and “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by
Frederick Douglass. The idea of coming of age is presented when Henry and Frederick
Douglass both gain mental maturity, and again when Henry physically comes of age.
The coming of age theme can be seen in The Red Badge of Courage when
Henry, the protagonist, raises the flag to inspire the troop to keep fighting. This shows great leadership on his part and how he
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He becomes brave and learns to face his fears over the course of the movie.
Coming of age is shown in “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” when
Douglass stands up to Mr. Covey and shows that he is not going to be pushed around anymore. Douglass reached a point in his life that made him want to fight for his freedom. He realized that if he did not do something, he would likely not survive much longer. The narrative says, “The whole six months afterwards, that I spent with Mr.
Covey, he never laid the weight of his finger upon me in anger” (Douglass 547). This shows how Douglass’s courage was beneficial to him. Defending himself shows that he improved within himself and he knows his own worth. The effects of slavery caused
Douglass to come of age and become mature very quickly.
The coming of age theme is also portrayed when Henry gets his own red badge of courage. This battle wound is something that he longed to receive. When Henry finally receives his red badge of courage, it is a very important moment for him. It is like everything is falling into place and he can have a moment of pride. Henry shows significant growth and maturity throughout the movie. The experience and effects of