Symbolism In The Red Badge Of Courage

In society, more often in youths, we see human's narcissistic and primal instincts to seek lionization, respect from their peers, and commemoration. In The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, these same humane flaws are paralleled through the character Henry Fleming; most notably this is apparent through character motivation, plot, mood, and setting. The plot: Henry Fleming a teenage boy with a misguided, romantic view of war decides to enlist in the Union army; his journey is one of self-discovery. War brings out Henry’s worst most animalistic traits

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Joining the union, Henry had one clear pursuit: to gain awe from his peers. An idea ironed in his mind from literature he read and his surroundings. Crane makes it clear this is Henry’s

motivation:“He burned several times to enlist. Tales of great movements shook the land. They might not be distinctly Homeric, but there seemed to be much glory in them. He had read of marches, sieges, conflicts, and he had longed to see it all. His busy mind had drawn for him large pictures extravagant in color, lurid with breathless deeds"(Crane Pg16). It should be noted that he uses the word “burned” further demonstrating this obsession of wanting this association of extravagance by chronically contemplating this decision. He sees it like a rock star status that many pop-culture icons have today. Cranes, characterization of Henry holds an extraordinary amount of merit in the 21st century. According to the study conducted by Sadie F. Dingfelder “Reflecting on narcissism," it states teens are “...obsessed with power, status and appearance…” (Dingfelder pg 64). And that is exactly what Henry represents quintessential teenager. To further show this critique on the youth, Stephen Crane refers to Henry as “The Youth” throughout the whole novel for emphasis that Henry represents more than just a teen in the army. But represents every man in the army.

In a study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association “Narcissism and the DSM”, it states that the traits of narcissism are egotistical preoccupation with self, aspirations, needs, success, and how the individual is perceived by others(various pg 32 ) Henry personifies this by constantly wanting a “hero’s death.” This is foreshadowed early on: He wished that he, too, had a wound, a red badge of courage”(Crane pg 67). Crane uses the symbol of a red badge of courage in order to show how Henry is so desperate for to get extolled that he wants to have battle scars, so he can get recognition for being a “veteran.” Henry constantly feels envy to those with more power and that are more decorated members of the Union army. In many ways he tries to size them up. Notably, in one instance during chapter 11 a bullet grazed his skull and he claimed that he got shot in the head. These are the extremes that Henry is willing fib just as long as it solidifies his position within his regiment. However, the irony of the situation is that the superiors didn’t buy his hyperbolized story and even thought less of him. Henry has had several opportunities to earn his stripes as a heroic soldier. But instead of taking the initiative he cowers and justifies his behavior. For example, when confronted about this one of his excuses was he was “strategically running

He felt a quiet manhood, nonassertive but of sturdy and strong blood. He knew that he would no more quail before his guides wherever they should point. He had been to touch the great death, and found that, after all, it was but the great death. He was a man. Chapter 24 pg 134