The following question references the novel The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane.
Why does Henry hesitate to return to his regiment after he flees battle? Minimum 3 sentences.
1 answer
Henry Fleming, the protagonist of "The Red Badge of Courage," hesitates to return to his regiment after fleeing battle for several reasons. First and foremost, he is overwhelmed by shame and fear of being labeled a coward by his comrades, which is a stark contrast to the heroic war experience he had imagined before joining the army. Furthermore, Henry is conflicted by his own guilt and self-doubt; he struggles with the need for self-preservation versus the expectation of fulfilling his duty as a soldier. Lastly, he does not know how his desertion has been perceived or what consequences he might face if he were to return, making him anxious about the reception he would receive from both his peers and his superior officers. These internal battles depict a young man grappling with his identity and the harsh realities of war.
1 answer