I had the chance to sit with some fellow book lovers today at a Metro Philadelphia Book Club Meeting to discuss The Red Badge of Courage. You are invited to join us on Meetup (http://www.meetup.com) if you want to participate to the next meeting where we will discuss Time's Arrow.
What do we know about Stephen Crane?
Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was actually born after the American Civil War. Despite this fact, he was able to deliver a vivid tale about the psychological transformation of a young soldier, Henry. He died very young, at 28 year old.
Why is this book a classic?
The Red Badge of Courage is probably a classic as the story is timeless. Young people continue to go to war, almost certainly in a state of mind that is not too different from the "youth", as Henry is defined by the author.
What is the story about?
Henry, a young farmer boy, enlists in the Union Army during the American Civil war in search of glory and epic battles. During his first engagement he flees from the battlefield. Ashamed, he will look for redemption the next time he faces the enemy.
What is remarkable?
More than a war story, the book focuses on the evolution of a young soldier to a man. The writer makes a parallel between the "real war" on the battlefield and the "psychological war" in Henry's head. He evolves from a coward young boy to a bold man, who rushes in first line into the battle carrying his regiment flag. However, he will pay the price of some of his mistakes (pay a close attention the episode of the tattered man) all his life.
What is the Red Badge of Courage?
When Henry flees, he encounters wounded soldiers which makes him long to earn a similar wound, which in this mind is the ultimate proof of courage. The wound is called a red badge of courage.
Author: Stephen Crane
Publisher: Free book, belongs to the public domain
Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was actually born after the American Civil War. Despite this fact, he was able to deliver a vivid tale about the psychological transformation of a young soldier, Henry. He died very young, at 28 year old.
Why is this book a classic?
The Red Badge of Courage is probably a classic as the story is timeless. Young people continue to go to war, almost certainly in a state of mind that is not too different from the "youth", as Henry is defined by the author.
What is the story about?
Henry, a young farmer boy, enlists in the Union Army during the American Civil war in search of glory and epic battles. During his first engagement he flees from the battlefield. Ashamed, he will look for redemption the next time he faces the enemy.
What is remarkable?
More than a war story, the book focuses on the evolution of a young soldier to a man. The writer makes a parallel between the "real war" on the battlefield and the "psychological war" in Henry's head. He evolves from a coward young boy to a bold man, who rushes in first line into the battle carrying his regiment flag. However, he will pay the price of some of his mistakes (pay a close attention the episode of the tattered man) all his life.
What is the Red Badge of Courage?
When Henry flees, he encounters wounded soldiers which makes him long to earn a similar wound, which in this mind is the ultimate proof of courage. The wound is called a red badge of courage.
Author: Stephen Crane
Publisher: Free book, belongs to the public domain