Throughout the book, “The Red Badge of Courage,” there were many themes that were explored. Some of the themes included in the book was the definition of being a “man,” individual v. self, and growing maturity. The main theme in the book, however, is probably in the title itself: courage. Henry explores the meaning of courage throughout the book. He often changes his meaning of courage throughout the novel. The definition that his mother gives him is that courage is the ability to figure out when to give up.. “She had doggedly peeled potatoes and addressed him as follows: ‘You watch out, Henry, an’ take good care of yerself in this here fighting business—you watch out, an’ take good care of yerself. Don’t go a-thinkin’ you can lick the hull