Batteries were speaking with thunderous oratorical effort. Here and there were flags, the red in the stripes dominating. They splashed bits

Question

of warm color upon the dark lines of troops.
The youth felt the old thrill at the sight of the emblem. They were like beautiful birds strangely undaunted in a storm.
As he listened to the din from the hillside, to a deep pulsating thunder that came from afar to the left, and to the lesser clamors which
came from many directions, it occurred to him that they were fighting, too, over there, and over there, and over there. Heretofore he had supposed that all the battle was directly under his nose.
As he gazed around him the youth felt a flash of astonishment at the blue, pure sky and the sun gleamings on the trees and fields. It was
surprising that Nature had gone tranquilly on with her golden process in the midst of so much devilment.
(from The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane)
Compare the way the passages illustrate the relationship between man and nature.
Based on the passages, which inference about nature is most valid?
• 1. Nature inspires man to search his soul and learn from past mistakes.
• 2. Nature is disinterested in the actions of man whether innocent or evil.
• 3. Nature overshadows man and makes human life seem insignificant.
• 4. Nature remains unchanged despite the horrors committed by man.

Answer 1

The passage from "The Red Badge of Courage" by Stephen Crane presents a complex relationship between man and nature, showcasing how nature remains indifferent to the turmoil and violence of human conflict. This is evident in the juxtaposition of the beautiful, serene aspects of nature—the "blue, pure sky," "sun gleamings on the trees and fields"—with the chaotic and destructive realities of war occurring nearby.

In analyzing the options provided, option 2, "Nature is disinterested in the actions of man whether innocent or evil," seems to be the most valid inference about nature based on the passage. The tranquility and beauty of nature continue unaffected by the battles and strife humans engage in, emphasizing a separation between the two.

Additionally, option 4, "Nature remains unchanged despite the horrors committed by man," also captures an essential truth about the portrayal of nature in this passage. While nature does appear unchanged and indifferent, option 2 more directly addresses the emotional response of the youth, who is struck by the contrast between the natural world's serenity and the chaos of war.

In summary, while both options 2 and 4 are valid interpretations of the relationship illustrated in the passage, option 2 is more closely aligned with the specific sentiment conveyed by the youth's astonishment at nature's continuity amidst human conflict.