What Does Stephen Crane Symbolize In The Red Badge Of Courage
Author Stephen crane who is considered one of the great American authors, wrote during the realism period. Particularly, in his works titled the red badge of courage written in 1895 we can see evidence of the characteristics, themes and style identified with the realism movement which was extant in American letters between 1850 and after the 1848 revolution. As a representative of such a movement, Stephen crane then remains one of the most identifiable and iconic writer of his time.
Stephen Crane is considered to be one of the most talented and influential writers of the late 1800s. He is known for his innovative style of writing, his vivid sense of irony, and his penetrating and sometimes disturbing psychological realism. He is considered a pioneer of the new form of literary realism that was …show more content…
Particularly in his work titled the red badge of courage, we can see these characteristics for example:
In the red badge of courage he is placing the readers squarely in the sphere of realism, which attempts to portray life as it is, rather than allegory, which uses symbolism to convey meaning.
Also, Crane examines the psychology of a soldier. Unlike romantic war accounts that portray heroes bravely going into battle, Henry has no idea whether or not he has what it takes to fight. It reminds me of something Mike Tyson said when he was in his prime: "Everybody has a plan until I punch him in the face." Henry realizes that until he faces that first shot, he is uncertain how he will react.
And lastly, Crane's realistic depictions of soldiers in battle serve to create a realistic war novel. There are no gasping of last words, clever quips, or philosophizing of death. The reader sees men being shot and dying. This non-heroic portrayal of death is made clear as Jim Conklin fears dying and being run over by artillery
Stephen Crane is considered to be one of the most talented and influential writers of the late 1800s. He is known for his innovative style of writing, his vivid sense of irony, and his penetrating and sometimes disturbing psychological realism. He is considered a pioneer of the new form of literary realism that was …show more content…
Particularly in his work titled the red badge of courage, we can see these characteristics for example:
In the red badge of courage he is placing the readers squarely in the sphere of realism, which attempts to portray life as it is, rather than allegory, which uses symbolism to convey meaning.
Also, Crane examines the psychology of a soldier. Unlike romantic war accounts that portray heroes bravely going into battle, Henry has no idea whether or not he has what it takes to fight. It reminds me of something Mike Tyson said when he was in his prime: "Everybody has a plan until I punch him in the face." Henry realizes that until he faces that first shot, he is uncertain how he will react.
And lastly, Crane's realistic depictions of soldiers in battle serve to create a realistic war novel. There are no gasping of last words, clever quips, or philosophizing of death. The reader sees men being shot and dying. This non-heroic portrayal of death is made clear as Jim Conklin fears dying and being run over by artillery