Within him, as he hurled himself forward, was born a love, a despairing fondness for this flag which was near him. It was a creation of beauty and invulnerability. It was a goddess, radiant, that bended its form with an imperious gesture to him. It was a woman, red and white, hating and loving, that called him with the voice of his hopes. Because no harm could come to it he endowed it with power. He kept near, as if it could be a saver of lives, and an imploring cry went from his mind.

Question

In the passage from The Red Badge of Courage, what does the flag symbolize?
(1 point)
Responses

love
love

sadness
sadness

regret
regret

protection
protection

Answer 1

protection

Answer 2

is it correct

Answer 3

Yes, the correct answer is protection. The flag symbolizes a sense of safety and invulnerability for the protagonist.