As The Red Badge of Courage opens, we do not know precisely where we are or whom we are watching. As the fog clears gradually, we see a part of the Union army upon a riverbank. It looks to be morning.
The Question and Answer section for The Red Badge of Courage is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
As The Red Badge of Courage opens, we do not know precisely where we are or whom we are watching. As the fog clears gradually, we see a part of the Union army upon a riverbank. It looks to be morning.
Henry is shocked into reality when he encounters the dead man seated against the tree. He is shaken, as the man's body brings the horrors and loneliness of war to the forefront... the corpse sitting in from of him serves as a symbol of everything...
From the text:
The youth had centered the gaze of his soul upon that other flag. Its possession would be high pride.
From this we can infer that the youth's desires are centered around capturing the enemies flag, a daring and dangerous desire, but...