Monday, April 26, 2010
Stephen Crane, Red Badge of Courage
The Red Badge of Courage was an excellent book to read. Just when you honestly thought the boy was ready to go to war and become a man reality set into his mind, which was fear. He was in fear for his life and when it was time for him to fight he turned and ran away. I am really not picking on him because it would be a scary thought to be in the front lines never knowing what body part you may lose or if you would even walk away with your life. What I would pick on him for is acting like he honestly went into battle with another brigade and yet he never went or attempted to help other troops. He walked with wounded soldiers just to save his face as if something had happened to him while fighting in the war. He was angry and upset with the disabled soldiers because they asked him what was wrong with him along the path to get help for themselves. If anything he should have been helping those soldiers or carrying them for the lies he told. To recieve recognition for something you did not do is not a good way to present yourself or live, but in the end I believe his brigade knew he was not telling the truth. The details in this story were graphic and I did enjoy reading this book. It is a fairly quick book to read and held my interest. I would recommend this book for people to read. Have a great day everyone!! =)
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This is definitely a book that I would register on my Literary Awakenings list. I would definitely ascribe it to the PG list as well. It is so remarkable in its illumination of a young man who enters manhood. The thoughts of a boy acting merely on hearsay receive experience and the shock of the fragility of life. He learns to stand and not run, a most difficult lesson and decision to make. I think all must have some sort of respect for the lad when one comes away from the story. This is the type of story that I would highly recommend as a prerequitsite. The illuminating factor is too great to be ignored. It would open the eyes of any who would rush in wear wise men fear to tred.
ReplyDeleteI very much liked the Red Badge of Courage and I also agree that this is a must on a literature list of fame. I also agree that this should be a pre-requisite for a junior high or high school group of readers who are growing and encountering the challenges of how to act in a world of adults. In this story, it was interesting to see how the soldier really wanted to be brave and strong and he desired to have the respect of his fellow man but deep within him he had what anyone should have. He had fear, uncertainty and he did not want to appear weak to those around him. It was striking to read how that he used his injury to misrepresent his experience and bravery and that for a short time period he even was arrogant about what he had done in battle. I enjoyed reading this story and this was a great part of this class.
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