Examples Of Heroism In The Red Badge Of Courage

Erica Gesner

Mr. Duca ELA 08

8-28-14

The Red Badge of Courage In The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane a young man by the name of Henry Fleming also known as the youth enlists himself into the army for the Union during the Civil War. He learns the true meaning of courage and heroism and becomes a hero himself. Henry Fleming often thinks that he is a hero on multiple occasions. Here are a few examples that define him as a hero. One example would be his first battle when he starts taking his first shots. He starts to feel as if he is part of his regiment and doesn’t feel as much concern for himself and it is stated, “He suddenly lost concern for himself, and forgot to look at the menacing fate. He became not a man but a member. He

(p.81 Chapter 19). “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 voices 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.” (p.81 Chapter 19) This expresses his loyalty, which is a trait that every hero needs. By expressing his loyalty to the union, his regiment, and the cause he can be seen as a true hero. Picking up the flag also symbolizes how he sees that there are even more things that are a part of the cause that are symbolic., which increases his loyalty. He finally sees that he and his comrades are only a small part of the war and there are other things that are symbolic during the war but are also of the same importance. At this moment he feels a newfound love for the Union. Picking up the flag symbolizes his newfound loyalty, which helps us perceive him as a