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The Red Badge Of Courage Analysis

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Exposed amid such revered words in today’s age, often neglected and misused, this compulsory term— justice. In attempts to purify the classical idea of justice by credited philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, the credited author Stephen Crane delves into human thought to define personal justice. Taking place during the American Civil War, The Red Badge of Courage encompasses the life of a young private of the Union Army, Henry Fleming, who flees from the field of battle. Due to this act, the protagonist is overwhelmed with a bad conscience, he longs for a battle wound, a "red badge of courage," to defend his acts of feebleness. Inundated by uncertainties and fears of war, Henry has to overcome obstacles amongst his peers as he struggles …show more content…
With this naïve connotation in mind, the adolescent protagonist is introduced by Crane with aspiration for glory. Contrary to the sense of fighting for his beliefs but rather fighting to gain a reputation, Henry believes in courage, honor, and seeks grandeur. Exemplified in this quote, “He had read of marches, sieges, conflicts, and he had longed to see it all. His busy mind had drawn for him large pictures extravagant in color, with breathless deeds,” (Crane 4). Implicating his articulate ability of imagery, the author candidly illustrates the idea that Henry had mentally romanticized the war to something of an exalted adventure. Even when his mother attempts to give him an analytical advice, Henry sat disappointed, expecting a speech in connection with intrepidity and gratification. While this may seem like a valiant step to manhood, Henry comprehends this idea for the wrong reasons. Unsure of his future in the Union, Henry expresses his arrogance without really understanding what he was fighting for, he only saw visions of himself as a knight in shining

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