Imperfections In 'The Red Badge Of Courage'

One makes many errors throughout his or her life, yet the way that the individual copes with their imperfections defines their other weaknesses. In most cases, imperfections are found once a single fault is discovered, which may cause the person to grow angered or fretful of their fate as the voices of the world may begin to comment on his or her flaws and it can possibly affect how that person acts in everyday situations which may suggest that the person has more imperfections than once thought. Some may seek final reasoning for their mistakes and problems, but this, in some situations, is not a very truthful or justifiable approach in the eyes of others at first observation. Throughout The Red Badge of Courage, the main character, Henry,
Henry does not admit that he was in fact wounded from doing a stupid act to his comrade but instead says, “‘I got shot, too’” (Crane, 104). Henry’s fear of being seen as weak or cowardly made him forget his morals and lie to his regiment which in immature even if he is still a child. Henry is not a baby and he should be aware of right and wrong. A strong individual would have manned up during or after the battle, but instead, Henry never mans up from his fear and stays a frightened adolescent within the war. In fact, Henry does not even man up before he is in the war either. In the crucial first chapter when Henry is introduced in a flashback, he feels insulted and disappointed when his mother first tells him “The Lord’s will be done, Henry” (Crane, 8). Henry did not predict the sincerity that came with war and did not realize that he could die. He sent off unknowing and never said anything precious to his mother before leaving. He was
Evidently, Crane uses the environment to portray emotions of characters throughout the story, mainly of Henry. For instance, in chapter three, “Absurd ideas took hold upon him” and Henry observes the setting thoroughly (Crane, 33). Henry let his imagination set free and he did not keep his head straight. If something as simple as a bird flew by, the boy could have possibly been scared. He frightened himself more in a way and it illustrates how he does have fear inside him even if that is not what he lets on. Crane especially uses imagery when in battle as in chapter twelve, Henry sees “The dragons” or more simply the ominous opponent approaching (Crane, 94). It was Henry's first battle experience, and at first sight of the enemy, he immediately saw them as unstoppable dragons. His depiction shows how cowardly Henry really was acting throughout the story. He believed he was the best until he saw the reality and ran. A brave soldier would have adapted to the battle in front of him and acknowledge the other side’s strengths, but he would have kept strong and confident of his own strengths. Henry did not leave the regiment once he knew what war was about because he did not want to be seen weak by his comrades, mother, and classmates. Even though he desired to leave, he