The Red Badge of Courage
The Red Badge of Courage
By: Stephen Crane
During the American Civil War, a young Union Army private, Henry Fleming, flees from the field of battle. Overcome with shame, he longs for a wound, a “red badge of courage,” to counteract his cowardice. When his regiment again faces the enemy, Henry acts as standard-bearer and leads his men into battle. Considered one of the best novels of war, Stephen Crane’s masterpiece tells the story from Fleming’s perspective and colors the action with his inner thoughts and emotions as the loud, chaotic battle ebbs and flows.
Title information
Stephen Crane
Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer. Prolific throughout his short life, he wrote notable works in the Realist tradition as well as early examples of American Naturalism and Impressionism. He is recognized by modern critics as one of the most innovative writers of his generation.
