The following question references the novel The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane.

Question

What is your opinion about Henry leaving the tattered soldier to die in the woods? Begin your answer with "Henry chose to act ______ instead of ______." If the tattered soldier knew what kind of person Henry was, do you think he would have tried to befriend him just before his death?

Answer 1

Henry chose to act selfishly instead of bravely when he left the tattered soldier to die in the woods. This moment reflects Henry's internal conflict and fear, as he is overwhelmed by his own survival instincts in the face of war's brutality. The act of abandoning the tattered soldier reveals Henry's struggle with his ideals of heroism and the harsh reality of battle.

If the tattered soldier knew what kind of person Henry was, he might have felt a mix of pity and disappointment. It’s possible he would have tried to befriend Henry in his final moments, hoping to find comfort in shared humanity even in the face of death. Alternatively, he might have recognized Henry's cowardice and felt a sense of betrayal, making it difficult for him to extend any compassion. The tragic circumstances of their situation could have prompted a complex interaction between the two, highlighting the themes of loneliness and the quest for connection amidst the chaos of war.