The Red Badge of Courage: Essay

Henry is a Coward – Disagree

­      In the Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane, the protagonist, Henry fled from his first fight and felt guilty. He then returned to his regiment after being hit in the head by a soldier. At the end of the book, Henry fought with courage and strength and won the battle with his friend, Wilson. I do not agree that Henry is a coward, because he enlisted to join the army, defeated his own will of running away, and encouraged his regiment to stay strong when they were about to retreat.

Henry is not a coward because he enlisted to join the army. He was a young man and had the courage and determination to join the army, even though his mother kept on telling him how dangerous it is (p8, 9). He knew joining the army and fight a battle is dangerous, but he didn’t care and wanted to help save his country. He is not coward because he determined to enlist even though he knew it may cost his life.

      Henry is not a coward because he defeated his own will of running away on his first battle. He was always so concerned that he would flee before the battle (p13-48). However, Henry stayed and fought with the other veterans, instead of running away as he expected. He felt like “he became not a man, but a member” (p51) and “had a mad feeling against his rifle, which could only be used against one life at a time” (p53). He was no longer afraid and fought hard and willingly.

      Henry is not a coward because he encouraged his regiment to keep fight even though the lieutenant already told them to retreat or they would get killed. Henry didn’t care but kept going forward. He is a real hero because he convinced the regiment to not give up, and eventually, they won that battle. He didn’t get his honor of “best fight in his regiment” by lying (like before), but by his true effort he put into the battle.

      I disagree that Henry is a coward because he determined to enlist even though he knew it’s dangerous, defeated his own fear of running away, and fought till the very end of his last battle for the purpose of helping his country.