The Red Badge of Courage

In the book, The Red Badge of Courage, Henry Fleming is a younger man than most that are fighting in the Civil War. Specifically he is fighting on the Union side(the North) and is new to the war and fighting. Since he is not familar with the war he doesnt know his strength, mental toughness, or courage. During the war he encounters the hardships of the war, economy, and people. But as the years pass and his expeirence of the war gets better he realizes he can handle it. He is often considered arrogant and is somewhat full of himself. Henry's morale catches up to him also as his best friend Jim was hurt in a battle of the Civil War. As his wounds progress to worse and they get infected, he soon dies and Henry is in a very depressing state. Because of Jim's death, Henry's will to win and fight for his friend lead to his glory and courage in the war. Henry is looking for respect for the elders in the battles so that one day down the road he can be looked at as a hero. But in the opposite matter he fled a battle later on and made himself look cowardish. He later realizes his selfishness gets to him and he is not full of himself any longer. As more battles go on he doesnt care if he makes a name for himself, as long as he stays alive is his main goal. He tries to make up for his mistakes such as retreating by doing his best in battles. If he as learned anything from his expierences, he learned how to be a man.