"Exegit monumentum aere perennius" translates from Latin to English, "I have erected a monument more lasting than bronze."
The great depression in America and its involvement in war during the 1920's were very influential and important historical events. The unemployment rate was at 5.2%, and many authors wrote of the struggles and monetary sufferings that most americans were experiencing during that time.
"An author ought to write for the youth of his generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters of ever afterward." I think that quote was meant to convey the purpose of authors and how they need to write to educate the upcoming generations, please the critics that will be analyzing their literature for years to come, and set an example for educators and writers of all generations.
About Me
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thesis & 3 Points
The Red Badge of Courage conveys how soldiers are forced into maturity through facing their weaknesses.
- In chapter eight, Henry encounters a tattered soldier who talks to him about what happened during the previous battle. The soldier asks Henry where his wounds are, making Henry face the fact that he was amidst men who had fought and been injured in battle while he was a coward and ran away from it due to the possibility of being harmed. The tattered man symbolized his own conscience because he felt extremely guilty for running away when his regiment needed help. "'Where yeh hit, ol' boy?' he asked in a brotherly tone. The youth felt instant panic at this question, although at first its full import was not borne in upon him. 'What?' he asked. 'Where yeh hit?' repeated the tattered man. 'Why,' began the youth, 'I--I--that is--why--I--' He turned away suddenly and slid through the crowd."
- Another example of how soldiers are forced into maturity is the facet of death that they are constantly surrounded with. In chapter nine Henry sees a friend of his, Jim, from his regiment die. Jim was a strong man who wasn't perceptibly afraid of anything concerning the war. He fought full throttle and when Henry saw him die, he had to face the fact that nobody is invincible and even strong men die in war. Seeing a man who was such a leader become so weak helped Henry realize that he would have to become more of a man and be strong because if someone like Jim couldn't survive, a coward like himself wouldn't last much longer either. "The youth had watched, spellbound, this ceremony at the place of meeting. His face had been twisted into an expression of every agony he had imagined for his friend. He now sprang to his feet and, going closer, gazed upon the pastelike face. The mouth was open and the teeth showed in a laugh. As the flap of the blue jacket fell away from the body, he could see that the side looked as if it had been chewed by wolves. The youth turned, with sudden, livid rage, toward the battlefield. He shook his fist. He seemed about to deliver a philippic. 'Hell--'"
- In the end of The Red Badge of Courage, Henry finds courage from all of his experiences and leads his regiment with the flag. He finally had grown up and taken responsibility and obtained a role in his regiment. "The youth kept the bright colors to the front. He was waving his free arm in furious circles, the while shrieking mad calls and appeals, urging on those that did not need to be urged, for it seemed that the mob of blue men hurling themselves on the dangerous group of rifles were again grown suddenly wild with an enthusiasm of unselfishness." Through seeing his friends wounded or killed and watching strong men become weak and fragile, Henry matured. He was a young selfish boy, but he grew into a man who was willing to fight alongside the men in his regiment. He became a great leader and by realizing what the symbol of the flag stood for, he found himself and was a better person.
- In chapter eight, Henry encounters a tattered soldier who talks to him about what happened during the previous battle. The soldier asks Henry where his wounds are, making Henry face the fact that he was amidst men who had fought and been injured in battle while he was a coward and ran away from it due to the possibility of being harmed. The tattered man symbolized his own conscience because he felt extremely guilty for running away when his regiment needed help. "'Where yeh hit, ol' boy?' he asked in a brotherly tone. The youth felt instant panic at this question, although at first its full import was not borne in upon him. 'What?' he asked. 'Where yeh hit?' repeated the tattered man. 'Why,' began the youth, 'I--I--that is--why--I--' He turned away suddenly and slid through the crowd."
- Another example of how soldiers are forced into maturity is the facet of death that they are constantly surrounded with. In chapter nine Henry sees a friend of his, Jim, from his regiment die. Jim was a strong man who wasn't perceptibly afraid of anything concerning the war. He fought full throttle and when Henry saw him die, he had to face the fact that nobody is invincible and even strong men die in war. Seeing a man who was such a leader become so weak helped Henry realize that he would have to become more of a man and be strong because if someone like Jim couldn't survive, a coward like himself wouldn't last much longer either. "The youth had watched, spellbound, this ceremony at the place of meeting. His face had been twisted into an expression of every agony he had imagined for his friend. He now sprang to his feet and, going closer, gazed upon the pastelike face. The mouth was open and the teeth showed in a laugh. As the flap of the blue jacket fell away from the body, he could see that the side looked as if it had been chewed by wolves. The youth turned, with sudden, livid rage, toward the battlefield. He shook his fist. He seemed about to deliver a philippic. 'Hell--'"
- In the end of The Red Badge of Courage, Henry finds courage from all of his experiences and leads his regiment with the flag. He finally had grown up and taken responsibility and obtained a role in his regiment. "The youth kept the bright colors to the front. He was waving his free arm in furious circles, the while shrieking mad calls and appeals, urging on those that did not need to be urged, for it seemed that the mob of blue men hurling themselves on the dangerous group of rifles were again grown suddenly wild with an enthusiasm of unselfishness." Through seeing his friends wounded or killed and watching strong men become weak and fragile, Henry matured. He was a young selfish boy, but he grew into a man who was willing to fight alongside the men in his regiment. He became a great leader and by realizing what the symbol of the flag stood for, he found himself and was a better person.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Red Badge of Courage - Character List
Henry Fleming - A young soldier in the civil war who constantly questioned himself, wondering whether or not he would be able to handle war. He thought he would run from battle, which he did during his first battle. He found his way back to his regiment and continued to fight with them, proving to himself and everyone else that he had the strength to fight. He caught the attention of his superiors when he carried the flag during battles, and they noticed how well he led the men around him by being brave. The story is about this young man's journey of maturing and becoming a man spiritually.
Jim Conklin - A man in Henry's regiment who was a great soldier. He wasn't afraid to fight and had faith in his regiment. Henry encounters him after he ran from his battle, and Jim had been shot. They were with a completely new regiment, but Jim had the same faith in them and stayed strong. Even though he was dying, he didn't want people to pay attention to him. He tried to keep up with the rest of the men, and in the end he ran into a field and died. He was someone Henry couldn't see dying in this war, and it devastated him.
Wilson - Known as the "loud soldier" in his regiment, Wilson was one of Henry's friends who was overly confident in the beginning. He was immature and foolish about the war, but when he was faced with his own mortality he grew up and was forced to become a man. His pride was damaged when he asked Henry for his envelope back because he had to admit his weaknesses. He went through a similar maturing process as Henry.
Tattered Soldier - The tattered soldier that Henry encounters after he ran from battle represents Henry's conscience. The soldier questions Henry and makes him compare himself to the soldiers who were injured in battle. Henry tried to avoid his conscience at first, then ignored him completely. In the end, Henry thinks back on his encounter with the tattered soldier and is remorseful.
Lieutenant - The lieutenant was the leader of Henry's regiment. They could relate to each other towards the middle/end of the story. They both rallied the regiment and were leaders to the men. They fought at the front of the regiment and fought without fear of death. They just wanted to win, and defeat the enemy.
Henry's Mother - Henry's mother was against him going to the war. He enlisted against her wishes, and when she found out she gave him advice. She told him to watch his back and look out for himself. She told him other men would try to change him and make him a tougher person, but he needed to avoid them. War veterans were rough and she didn't want her son to be subjected to their negative outlooks on life.
Jim Conklin - A man in Henry's regiment who was a great soldier. He wasn't afraid to fight and had faith in his regiment. Henry encounters him after he ran from his battle, and Jim had been shot. They were with a completely new regiment, but Jim had the same faith in them and stayed strong. Even though he was dying, he didn't want people to pay attention to him. He tried to keep up with the rest of the men, and in the end he ran into a field and died. He was someone Henry couldn't see dying in this war, and it devastated him.
Wilson - Known as the "loud soldier" in his regiment, Wilson was one of Henry's friends who was overly confident in the beginning. He was immature and foolish about the war, but when he was faced with his own mortality he grew up and was forced to become a man. His pride was damaged when he asked Henry for his envelope back because he had to admit his weaknesses. He went through a similar maturing process as Henry.
Tattered Soldier - The tattered soldier that Henry encounters after he ran from battle represents Henry's conscience. The soldier questions Henry and makes him compare himself to the soldiers who were injured in battle. Henry tried to avoid his conscience at first, then ignored him completely. In the end, Henry thinks back on his encounter with the tattered soldier and is remorseful.
Lieutenant - The lieutenant was the leader of Henry's regiment. They could relate to each other towards the middle/end of the story. They both rallied the regiment and were leaders to the men. They fought at the front of the regiment and fought without fear of death. They just wanted to win, and defeat the enemy.
Henry's Mother - Henry's mother was against him going to the war. He enlisted against her wishes, and when she found out she gave him advice. She told him to watch his back and look out for himself. She told him other men would try to change him and make him a tougher person, but he needed to avoid them. War veterans were rough and she didn't want her son to be subjected to their negative outlooks on life.
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 24
Abstract -
The fields were almost completely silent now, and Henry and Wilson didn't know how to react. They had become accustomed to the constant sounds of artillery and fighting. The regiment received orders to go back to another location, and all the men grunted as they got up to move. Henry turned to his friend and said "Well, it's all over." He reflected on everything he had gone through and the changes he'd seen in himself. He thought about how proud his comrades were of him, and how well he had done. But as he thought, his thoughts went back to the first battle from which he had fled, and to the tattered man he had abandoned. He felt guilty and ashamed, but finally was able to put his mistake in the distance and move on. When it started to rain, Henry still was happy. He had been through the pain and horror of war, and came out a better person, a man.
Response -
In this chapter, Henry looked back on everything he had been through. He had earned the respect of the men in his regiment and successfully hidden his fear from them. He finally looked back on the scene with the tattered man and felt remorseful. He was able to feel guilt and shame, but move on. I think that showed how he had matured. He didn't run from his fear or regret, but faced it and dealt with it.
Questions -
If the war was over, why were there still men fighting ( at the house?)
The fields were almost completely silent now, and Henry and Wilson didn't know how to react. They had become accustomed to the constant sounds of artillery and fighting. The regiment received orders to go back to another location, and all the men grunted as they got up to move. Henry turned to his friend and said "Well, it's all over." He reflected on everything he had gone through and the changes he'd seen in himself. He thought about how proud his comrades were of him, and how well he had done. But as he thought, his thoughts went back to the first battle from which he had fled, and to the tattered man he had abandoned. He felt guilty and ashamed, but finally was able to put his mistake in the distance and move on. When it started to rain, Henry still was happy. He had been through the pain and horror of war, and came out a better person, a man.
Response -
In this chapter, Henry looked back on everything he had been through. He had earned the respect of the men in his regiment and successfully hidden his fear from them. He finally looked back on the scene with the tattered man and felt remorseful. He was able to feel guilt and shame, but move on. I think that showed how he had matured. He didn't run from his fear or regret, but faced it and dealt with it.
Questions -
If the war was over, why were there still men fighting ( at the house?)
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 23
Abstract -
In the beginning of this chapter, the colonel is telling the men they'll have to charge the enemy if they want to survive. As they advance, Henry realizes most of the men will be lost before they even get to the rebels. As he ran, Henry thought about what it would be like when the two armies collided. He thought that the ultimate source of pride would come from obtaining the other side's flag. He and his friend leaped towards it. Wilson got the flag and held it up, and men in the regiment threw up their hats if they still had them. The regiment captured 4 men. Henry went to the edge of the field and sat down to rest. His friend came over with the flag proudly, and they congratulated each other.
Response -
I think the flag represents the new Henry. He is stronger, more courageous, and ready to fight. By holding the flag, he was positively recognized by his superiors. The flag is what keeps Henry and the rest of the army going; it's their strength. When Wilson gets the other side's flag, he's extremely happy and proud of himself. The whole regiment is excited, did that mean that they had won the battle? When they took the captives, it seemed the fighting was over. Had the battle ended?
Questions -
Is Henry happy that his friend got the flag, or does he feel bitter that he didn't get it?
In the beginning of this chapter, the colonel is telling the men they'll have to charge the enemy if they want to survive. As they advance, Henry realizes most of the men will be lost before they even get to the rebels. As he ran, Henry thought about what it would be like when the two armies collided. He thought that the ultimate source of pride would come from obtaining the other side's flag. He and his friend leaped towards it. Wilson got the flag and held it up, and men in the regiment threw up their hats if they still had them. The regiment captured 4 men. Henry went to the edge of the field and sat down to rest. His friend came over with the flag proudly, and they congratulated each other.
Response -
I think the flag represents the new Henry. He is stronger, more courageous, and ready to fight. By holding the flag, he was positively recognized by his superiors. The flag is what keeps Henry and the rest of the army going; it's their strength. When Wilson gets the other side's flag, he's extremely happy and proud of himself. The whole regiment is excited, did that mean that they had won the battle? When they took the captives, it seemed the fighting was over. Had the battle ended?
Questions -
Is Henry happy that his friend got the flag, or does he feel bitter that he didn't get it?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 22
Abstract -
Henry was observing all the other regiments fight, and when his regiment was up to battle, he again went to the front. The enemy was approaching and many men on Henry's side were being shot down. A lieutenant was shot through the cheeks, and headed towards the back of the regiment. Henry looked around for his friend, and saw him somewhere beside him still fighting. Henry decided the only revenge he could get on the man who called his regiment mule drivers and mud diggers was for him to see Henry's dead body on the battlefield and know that he gave his life in battle. The regiment was getting weaker and weaker, and Henry noticed that the lieutenant's voice was growing weaker along with them.
Response -
At the beginning, I didn't understand why Henry was just waiting and watching the other regiments fight. Was his regiment next in line to fight, or was he standing by himself? When they start fighting, Henry looks around for his friend. I think that shows how much he had changed because he had gone from only looking out for himself to caring about his friend and the other men close to him in the army. At the end, the lieutenant represented the strength of Henry's regiment. Even though he had been wounded, he kept fighting and going on. In the end, he was growing weaker and couldn't be strong for his men anymore. They would have to find strength in themselves to continue fighting and win the battle.
Questions -
Is Henry's goal to be killed now to get revenge on the general, or is he just thinking that?
Henry was observing all the other regiments fight, and when his regiment was up to battle, he again went to the front. The enemy was approaching and many men on Henry's side were being shot down. A lieutenant was shot through the cheeks, and headed towards the back of the regiment. Henry looked around for his friend, and saw him somewhere beside him still fighting. Henry decided the only revenge he could get on the man who called his regiment mule drivers and mud diggers was for him to see Henry's dead body on the battlefield and know that he gave his life in battle. The regiment was getting weaker and weaker, and Henry noticed that the lieutenant's voice was growing weaker along with them.
Response -
At the beginning, I didn't understand why Henry was just waiting and watching the other regiments fight. Was his regiment next in line to fight, or was he standing by himself? When they start fighting, Henry looks around for his friend. I think that shows how much he had changed because he had gone from only looking out for himself to caring about his friend and the other men close to him in the army. At the end, the lieutenant represented the strength of Henry's regiment. Even though he had been wounded, he kept fighting and going on. In the end, he was growing weaker and couldn't be strong for his men anymore. They would have to find strength in themselves to continue fighting and win the battle.
Questions -
Is Henry's goal to be killed now to get revenge on the general, or is he just thinking that?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 21
Abstract -
The men were walking back to safety in the beginning of this chapter. On the way, they passed a regiment lying in the shade. The regiment taunted and teased the men, and Henry was offended by their words. Once they arrived back to the grounds they had left to attack the rebels, a general came and yelled at the lieutenant because if they had gone 100 feet more, they would've made a great attack. The general insulted the men and called them "mud diggers." Henry and Wilson started talking about how they hated the general for saying that they were pretty much useless when a few other men came up and told them that the colonel and lieutenants were talking about the two young men and how they were at the front of the regiment the whole time, and should be promoted to generals. They both felt proud and happy. For the moment they forgot about their past and were glad to be where they were.
Response -
I think Henry was hurt by the words of the other regiment because he was so inexperienced with war and the men outside of his regiment. I don't understand why the men sitting in the shade were mocking the regiment that had just been in battle, when they were just relaxing. The men talked about not wanting to be a part of the army if everything they did went unappreciated. The general made it clear that they never did anything the way he wanted them to. At the end, when he hears about the young men that lead the regiment, I think his opinion changes and he reevaluates his judgement on the men.
Questions -
The book uses insults like "sheep" and "mud diggers." What are they suppose to mean, and why are the men so effected by it?
The men were walking back to safety in the beginning of this chapter. On the way, they passed a regiment lying in the shade. The regiment taunted and teased the men, and Henry was offended by their words. Once they arrived back to the grounds they had left to attack the rebels, a general came and yelled at the lieutenant because if they had gone 100 feet more, they would've made a great attack. The general insulted the men and called them "mud diggers." Henry and Wilson started talking about how they hated the general for saying that they were pretty much useless when a few other men came up and told them that the colonel and lieutenants were talking about the two young men and how they were at the front of the regiment the whole time, and should be promoted to generals. They both felt proud and happy. For the moment they forgot about their past and were glad to be where they were.
Response -
I think Henry was hurt by the words of the other regiment because he was so inexperienced with war and the men outside of his regiment. I don't understand why the men sitting in the shade were mocking the regiment that had just been in battle, when they were just relaxing. The men talked about not wanting to be a part of the army if everything they did went unappreciated. The general made it clear that they never did anything the way he wanted them to. At the end, when he hears about the young men that lead the regiment, I think his opinion changes and he reevaluates his judgement on the men.
Questions -
The book uses insults like "sheep" and "mud diggers." What are they suppose to mean, and why are the men so effected by it?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 20
Abstract -
When Henry and his friend turned back to the regiment with the flag, they noticed most of it had dissapeared. The regiment was heading back towards the woods and started marching again. When the regiment was put under fire again, many men "accepted the bullets" and allowed themselves to be shot. Henry wanted to get revenge on the man who had called his regiment mule drivers. Henry's friend came up to him and said, "Well Henry, I guess this is good-by-John" and Henry told him to shut up. They could see the enemy approaching, so close they could see their faces. After a while, the field was empty, and the men were happy. They were confident again, and even though they weren't the best fighters they had renewed their faith in themselves.
Response -
At the beginning, Henry and his friend were fighting over who should hold the flag. It said they both had faith in each other to have it, but they both wanted to be the one holding it. Was the man with the flag the first to charge, or why were they so intent on having it? Did they hold back the enemy, or had they run to a new camp when they saw the empty fields filled with smoke? It says they were joyous and had regained confidence in themselves, but it also commented that the men weren't any better at fighting.
Questions -
What does is meant by, "It had begun to seem to them that events were trying to prove that they were impotent. These little battles had evidently endeavored to demonstrate that the men could not fight well. When on the verge of submission to these opinions, the small duel had showed them that the proportions were not impossible, and by it they had revenged themselves upon their misgivings and upon the foe" ?
When Henry and his friend turned back to the regiment with the flag, they noticed most of it had dissapeared. The regiment was heading back towards the woods and started marching again. When the regiment was put under fire again, many men "accepted the bullets" and allowed themselves to be shot. Henry wanted to get revenge on the man who had called his regiment mule drivers. Henry's friend came up to him and said, "Well Henry, I guess this is good-by-John" and Henry told him to shut up. They could see the enemy approaching, so close they could see their faces. After a while, the field was empty, and the men were happy. They were confident again, and even though they weren't the best fighters they had renewed their faith in themselves.
Response -
At the beginning, Henry and his friend were fighting over who should hold the flag. It said they both had faith in each other to have it, but they both wanted to be the one holding it. Was the man with the flag the first to charge, or why were they so intent on having it? Did they hold back the enemy, or had they run to a new camp when they saw the empty fields filled with smoke? It says they were joyous and had regained confidence in themselves, but it also commented that the men weren't any better at fighting.
Questions -
What does is meant by, "It had begun to seem to them that events were trying to prove that they were impotent. These little battles had evidently endeavored to demonstrate that the men could not fight well. When on the verge of submission to these opinions, the small duel had showed them that the proportions were not impossible, and by it they had revenged themselves upon their misgivings and upon the foe" ?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 19
Abstract -
The regiment is going to make their attack on the enemy, leaving a trail of dead soldiers as they ran and were shot. Henry noticed everything about the land they ran upon, from the grass to the men he was running alongside. When the troop slowed down and the lieutenant was yelling at them to keep moving, Henry's friend shot at the smoke in the woods and started a chain reaction among the men who began shooting into the smoke with him. The lieutenant yelled that they'd have to cross over and start in a new direction. Henry developed a love for the flag that represented what he was fighting for. A color sergeant reached for it and died, clutching onto it. Henry's friend took it from his grasp and the corpse's arm swung forward catching his shoulder.
Response -
I think Henry's change is more and more evident with every obstacle he faces. He is becoming more willing to risk his health and life, and he's much less scared than he was just a couple days ago. He has become a leader for his regiment, and someone the lieutenants and generals would be proud of.
Questions -
Why was this the first time Henry had noticed the flag's beauty?
Where were they planning on going when they switched directions?
The regiment is going to make their attack on the enemy, leaving a trail of dead soldiers as they ran and were shot. Henry noticed everything about the land they ran upon, from the grass to the men he was running alongside. When the troop slowed down and the lieutenant was yelling at them to keep moving, Henry's friend shot at the smoke in the woods and started a chain reaction among the men who began shooting into the smoke with him. The lieutenant yelled that they'd have to cross over and start in a new direction. Henry developed a love for the flag that represented what he was fighting for. A color sergeant reached for it and died, clutching onto it. Henry's friend took it from his grasp and the corpse's arm swung forward catching his shoulder.
Response -
I think Henry's change is more and more evident with every obstacle he faces. He is becoming more willing to risk his health and life, and he's much less scared than he was just a couple days ago. He has become a leader for his regiment, and someone the lieutenants and generals would be proud of.
Questions -
Why was this the first time Henry had noticed the flag's beauty?
Where were they planning on going when they switched directions?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 18
Abstract -
Once the battle was over, the regiment noticed a man who was shot, screaming for help. Henry and his friend went to a stream to get water for him. They overheard generals talking about charging the enemy, and asking if anyone had any troops to spare to hold back the rebels who were planning another attack. A general said he could spare the 304th because they fought hard. Henry and his friend brought the news back to the lieutenant. Henry was shocked at how casually the troops were referred to, and how little his part in the war was. As the officer approached the regiment, the men realized the two young men were telling the truth. Only Henry and Wilson knew that not many of the soldiers would be returning from this battle. There was hell to pay.
Response -
I think Henry felt belittled by the colonel and the officers that were talking. They referred to the men like they weren't humans, but killing machines that may or may not survive during this attack. Although he might have been bitter towards them, he understood why they acted that way and he wanted to go fight. This was their chance to catch the rebels off guard and he would be able to be a part of it. With his new found confidence and fighting ability, he wanted to go in and give the battle everything he had.
Questions -
Did Henry want to die so that he would die a hero instead of a coward?
Once the battle was over, the regiment noticed a man who was shot, screaming for help. Henry and his friend went to a stream to get water for him. They overheard generals talking about charging the enemy, and asking if anyone had any troops to spare to hold back the rebels who were planning another attack. A general said he could spare the 304th because they fought hard. Henry and his friend brought the news back to the lieutenant. Henry was shocked at how casually the troops were referred to, and how little his part in the war was. As the officer approached the regiment, the men realized the two young men were telling the truth. Only Henry and Wilson knew that not many of the soldiers would be returning from this battle. There was hell to pay.
Response -
I think Henry felt belittled by the colonel and the officers that were talking. They referred to the men like they weren't humans, but killing machines that may or may not survive during this attack. Although he might have been bitter towards them, he understood why they acted that way and he wanted to go fight. This was their chance to catch the rebels off guard and he would be able to be a part of it. With his new found confidence and fighting ability, he wanted to go in and give the battle everything he had.
Questions -
Did Henry want to die so that he would die a hero instead of a coward?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 17
Abstract -
At the beginning of chapter 17, Henry was thinking about the hatred he felt towards the enemy. Their men never seemed to tire out, and his army was always on the defense or backing away from battle. He didn't understand how they had such strength to continually fight. He wanted to seek revenge on the enemy and annihilate them. During the battle he shot at all the shadows he saw through the smoke. When the enemy retreated, he kept shooting until he heard one of the men laughing and telling him there was nothing left to shoot at. The lieutenant seemed to be extremely proud of Henry and the rest of the men looked upon him as a war devil. He said the army would never see another new regiment like theirs.
Response -
This chapter seems to be like the beginning of Henry's change. He stayed with his regiment and fought. He was able to find the hatred he needed to fight the enemy and want to annihilate them. He made his superiors proud, and found the strength to be a part of the fighting.
Questions -
Is Henry planning on staying with his regiment now or will he end up leaving again?
At the beginning of chapter 17, Henry was thinking about the hatred he felt towards the enemy. Their men never seemed to tire out, and his army was always on the defense or backing away from battle. He didn't understand how they had such strength to continually fight. He wanted to seek revenge on the enemy and annihilate them. During the battle he shot at all the shadows he saw through the smoke. When the enemy retreated, he kept shooting until he heard one of the men laughing and telling him there was nothing left to shoot at. The lieutenant seemed to be extremely proud of Henry and the rest of the men looked upon him as a war devil. He said the army would never see another new regiment like theirs.
Response -
This chapter seems to be like the beginning of Henry's change. He stayed with his regiment and fought. He was able to find the hatred he needed to fight the enemy and want to annihilate them. He made his superiors proud, and found the strength to be a part of the fighting.
Questions -
Is Henry planning on staying with his regiment now or will he end up leaving again?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 16
Abstract -
Henry and the regiment were moved into a trench to relieve some other men that had been there for a long time. His friend falls asleep as soon as they get there, and when he awakes they discuss the generals over the loud sounds of artillery in the near distance. His friend thinks that they have been fighting as hard as they can, but they just haven't had enough luck to win a battle. Henry thinks it's the generals' fault and calls them stupid. A sarcastic man interrupted Henry and asked if he thought he fought the whole battle himself the day before. Henry realized that he couldn't be so loud if he doesn't want people to question him, and he becomes modest. They march into the forest and Henry starts arguing with his friend again, complaining about how they don't even know why they march all over the place, always running from the rebels only to get defeated in battle. His friend said it would all turn out okay in the end, but Henry wasn't convinced. Before he could go on, a sergeant yelled at the two younger boys. He told them they'd have all the fighting they wanted soon enough and that they should just shut up. Then there were gunshots that lit up the area around the regiment. The men stood ready yet almost unwilling to fight.
Response -
Henry doesn't have the experience that some of the other soldiers have, but he constantly is complaining or thinking negatively about the war. He never thinks they'll win and has little faith in his leaders. Even when his friend tries to calm him down and tell him it will eventually be okay, he doesn't listen. He says they don't have any luck and they're destined to lose. Why does he have such a negative mindset? He hasn't been a part of enough battles to think so pessimistically about the outcome of the war. I think the death of Jim and seeing other men fight and run ruined his spirits in a way. Although he didn't necessarily go into the war prepared or excited, it seems his motivation to fight drops everyday.
Questions -
After Henry decides to become more humble, why does he continue to complain and make a scene?
Henry and the regiment were moved into a trench to relieve some other men that had been there for a long time. His friend falls asleep as soon as they get there, and when he awakes they discuss the generals over the loud sounds of artillery in the near distance. His friend thinks that they have been fighting as hard as they can, but they just haven't had enough luck to win a battle. Henry thinks it's the generals' fault and calls them stupid. A sarcastic man interrupted Henry and asked if he thought he fought the whole battle himself the day before. Henry realized that he couldn't be so loud if he doesn't want people to question him, and he becomes modest. They march into the forest and Henry starts arguing with his friend again, complaining about how they don't even know why they march all over the place, always running from the rebels only to get defeated in battle. His friend said it would all turn out okay in the end, but Henry wasn't convinced. Before he could go on, a sergeant yelled at the two younger boys. He told them they'd have all the fighting they wanted soon enough and that they should just shut up. Then there were gunshots that lit up the area around the regiment. The men stood ready yet almost unwilling to fight.
Response -
Henry doesn't have the experience that some of the other soldiers have, but he constantly is complaining or thinking negatively about the war. He never thinks they'll win and has little faith in his leaders. Even when his friend tries to calm him down and tell him it will eventually be okay, he doesn't listen. He says they don't have any luck and they're destined to lose. Why does he have such a negative mindset? He hasn't been a part of enough battles to think so pessimistically about the outcome of the war. I think the death of Jim and seeing other men fight and run ruined his spirits in a way. Although he didn't necessarily go into the war prepared or excited, it seems his motivation to fight drops everyday.
Questions -
After Henry decides to become more humble, why does he continue to complain and make a scene?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 15
Abstract -
At the beginning of chapter 15, Henry remembers the envelope that the loud soldier gave him a few days ago, thinking he would die during battle. He is happy to have it now because if the loud soldier brings up talk of the day Henry was missing, Henry will have a way out of the conversation, giving him the upperhand. Henry felt like a veteran after his experiences from the day before. His confidence was growing, and he feared battle much less than he had before. A little while later, the loud soldier told Henry he might as well take the letters back since he was still alive. Henry took a long time giving them up, but returned the letters to his friend.
Response -
Henry has a false sense of confidence in the beginning of the chapter. He feels like a veteran, yet he's only actually been a part of one battle. He had watched others fight and run, but hadn't experienced it himself. I don't think he truly understood what the war was really like because he had avoided the main part of it the entire time he'd been there.
Questions -
"Too bad! Too bad! The poor devil, it makes him feel tough!" What did he mean by this?
At the beginning of chapter 15, Henry remembers the envelope that the loud soldier gave him a few days ago, thinking he would die during battle. He is happy to have it now because if the loud soldier brings up talk of the day Henry was missing, Henry will have a way out of the conversation, giving him the upperhand. Henry felt like a veteran after his experiences from the day before. His confidence was growing, and he feared battle much less than he had before. A little while later, the loud soldier told Henry he might as well take the letters back since he was still alive. Henry took a long time giving them up, but returned the letters to his friend.
Response -
Henry has a false sense of confidence in the beginning of the chapter. He feels like a veteran, yet he's only actually been a part of one battle. He had watched others fight and run, but hadn't experienced it himself. I don't think he truly understood what the war was really like because he had avoided the main part of it the entire time he'd been there.
Questions -
"Too bad! Too bad! The poor devil, it makes him feel tough!" What did he mean by this?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 14
Abstract -
When Henry woke up and saw the regiment, he briefly forgot about the night before and thought he was in a house of the dead, surrounded by hundreds of dead men. He didn't want to move until another man did, so that he knew they were alive. His friend noticed he was awake and asked him how he felt. Henry still felt horrible, and his friend was disappointed. They went to eat, hoping that would help. When they started talking, Henry noticed how much mature the loud soldier seemed. They talked and argued with the other soldiers for a while. Then the loud soldier told Henry how they had lost half the regiment the other day, but they kept coming back like he did, saying they had been fighting with other regiments.
Response -
When Henry sees the loud soldier again, I think he starts to truly understand how much war can change people. After only one or two battles, the loud immature soldier had seemingly grown up and become much more realistic. Henry comments on how the loud soldier would've bet anything they could've taken on the whole rebel army a few days ago, but now he was questioning their ability to win the war. When Henry says "So," at the end of the chapter, I didn't understand if he was trying to cover up his lie, or if he actually believed the other men had been with different regiments and it wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
Questions -
Does Henry feel guilty for lying to the loud soldier?
How does it effect Henry when he sees the loud soldier in this new light?
When Henry woke up and saw the regiment, he briefly forgot about the night before and thought he was in a house of the dead, surrounded by hundreds of dead men. He didn't want to move until another man did, so that he knew they were alive. His friend noticed he was awake and asked him how he felt. Henry still felt horrible, and his friend was disappointed. They went to eat, hoping that would help. When they started talking, Henry noticed how much mature the loud soldier seemed. They talked and argued with the other soldiers for a while. Then the loud soldier told Henry how they had lost half the regiment the other day, but they kept coming back like he did, saying they had been fighting with other regiments.
Response -
When Henry sees the loud soldier again, I think he starts to truly understand how much war can change people. After only one or two battles, the loud immature soldier had seemingly grown up and become much more realistic. Henry comments on how the loud soldier would've bet anything they could've taken on the whole rebel army a few days ago, but now he was questioning their ability to win the war. When Henry says "So," at the end of the chapter, I didn't understand if he was trying to cover up his lie, or if he actually believed the other men had been with different regiments and it wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
Questions -
Does Henry feel guilty for lying to the loud soldier?
How does it effect Henry when he sees the loud soldier in this new light?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 13
Abstract -
Henry walked down to the fire and was recognized by a few of the men in the regiment. He was too weak to make up a good story, so he just told them he had gotten separated somehow from the rest of them and had been fighting on the right side, and was shot in the head. Wilson looked at his head and told him the bullet must've just grazed his head because there wasn't a bullet, but a weird lump. He laid down by the fire, and only saw the faces of tired soldiers. After they finished fixing his head wound, the loud soldier gave Henry his blankets to sleep on and told him to go to bed. They fell asleep listening to the guns in the distance.
Response -
The way the soldiers reacted to Henry coming back showed how many men they'd lost. They all thought he was dead, and when he returned they just tried to make him comfortable and take care of him. One of the men told Henry how strong he was because he hadn't gone to the hospital with his head wound. I think that made Henry feel guilty because he wasn't worthy of the pride the men had in him.
Questions -
Does Henry want to stay with his regiment now that he knows they stand behind him, or is he still too scared to be part of the war?
Henry walked down to the fire and was recognized by a few of the men in the regiment. He was too weak to make up a good story, so he just told them he had gotten separated somehow from the rest of them and had been fighting on the right side, and was shot in the head. Wilson looked at his head and told him the bullet must've just grazed his head because there wasn't a bullet, but a weird lump. He laid down by the fire, and only saw the faces of tired soldiers. After they finished fixing his head wound, the loud soldier gave Henry his blankets to sleep on and told him to go to bed. They fell asleep listening to the guns in the distance.
Response -
The way the soldiers reacted to Henry coming back showed how many men they'd lost. They all thought he was dead, and when he returned they just tried to make him comfortable and take care of him. One of the men told Henry how strong he was because he hadn't gone to the hospital with his head wound. I think that made Henry feel guilty because he wasn't worthy of the pride the men had in him.
Questions -
Does Henry want to stay with his regiment now that he knows they stand behind him, or is he still too scared to be part of the war?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 12
Abstract -
Henry realizes yet another battle is going on, and finds himself in the midst of a crowd of running men. He gets hit in the head with a gun and falls down, unable to stay standing or see straight. When he could stand up, he moved away from the rest of his army. He could hear the artillery and thought he could see heaving groups of men. As he walked, he thought of home and the luxuries he'd taken for granted before. A man walked up behind him and joined him on his walk. The man asked him what regiment he was in and why he was so far from it. He told him about the battle he was in and a sergeant that was shot in the head. The man took Henry to where his regiment was and told him good luck. The entire time they had been walking together, Henry hadn't looked at his face. When the man walked away, Henry realized this, and was shocked that someone he'd never met was so friendly and just like that was gone.
Response -
I think at the end, Henry felt sad that he hadn't seen the friendly man's face. He had helped Henry for no reason and gotten nothing in return. The friendly man could symbolize the length of friendships in war, and how quickly nice people are taken away from the soldiers who need them most. At the beginning of the chapter, all the men were running from something... how did Henry manage to get by without running into the enemy they were running from?
Questions -
Will Henry decide to go back to his regiment and lie, or will he continue running away?
Henry realizes yet another battle is going on, and finds himself in the midst of a crowd of running men. He gets hit in the head with a gun and falls down, unable to stay standing or see straight. When he could stand up, he moved away from the rest of his army. He could hear the artillery and thought he could see heaving groups of men. As he walked, he thought of home and the luxuries he'd taken for granted before. A man walked up behind him and joined him on his walk. The man asked him what regiment he was in and why he was so far from it. He told him about the battle he was in and a sergeant that was shot in the head. The man took Henry to where his regiment was and told him good luck. The entire time they had been walking together, Henry hadn't looked at his face. When the man walked away, Henry realized this, and was shocked that someone he'd never met was so friendly and just like that was gone.
Response -
I think at the end, Henry felt sad that he hadn't seen the friendly man's face. He had helped Henry for no reason and gotten nothing in return. The friendly man could symbolize the length of friendships in war, and how quickly nice people are taken away from the soldiers who need them most. At the beginning of the chapter, all the men were running from something... how did Henry manage to get by without running into the enemy they were running from?
Questions -
Will Henry decide to go back to his regiment and lie, or will he continue running away?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 11
Abstract -
Henry is alone now, and sees/hears another battle going on. He sees men retreating and feels comforted by it. He searches for a justification to running away and tries to make himself feel better by saying that he ran because he was smart, and those men were crazy to stay and fight. He thought about his regiment, and how much they would sneer at and hate him, if he ever could find them. He finally realized how hungry, thirsty, and weak his body was. He had been so preoccupied with Jim and all the adversity that he hadn't paid any attention to himself. He wished that the army would lose a battle or two so that the regiments would scatter, creating an opportunity for him to join a new regiment without being questioned.
Response -
I think Henry wants to get back in the regiment for a sense of security. Although it's much more dangerous than avoiding everybody, he would have food and water, and he wouldn't constantly have to be worried about people finding out that he ran away. He feels so ashamed that he ran, but it's not causing him to take action to redeem himself. He was trying to think up stories to tell the regiment so they wouldn't ridicule him, but every story had a weak spot they would be able to see through.
Questions -
At the end of the chapter, Henry was afraid that "some arrow of scorn might lay him mentally low before he could raise his protective tale." Did he mean that he was scared someone would kill him before he could tell them one of the untruthful stories he made up to cover the fact that he had run away?
Henry is alone now, and sees/hears another battle going on. He sees men retreating and feels comforted by it. He searches for a justification to running away and tries to make himself feel better by saying that he ran because he was smart, and those men were crazy to stay and fight. He thought about his regiment, and how much they would sneer at and hate him, if he ever could find them. He finally realized how hungry, thirsty, and weak his body was. He had been so preoccupied with Jim and all the adversity that he hadn't paid any attention to himself. He wished that the army would lose a battle or two so that the regiments would scatter, creating an opportunity for him to join a new regiment without being questioned.
Response -
I think Henry wants to get back in the regiment for a sense of security. Although it's much more dangerous than avoiding everybody, he would have food and water, and he wouldn't constantly have to be worried about people finding out that he ran away. He feels so ashamed that he ran, but it's not causing him to take action to redeem himself. He was trying to think up stories to tell the regiment so they wouldn't ridicule him, but every story had a weak spot they would be able to see through.
Questions -
At the end of the chapter, Henry was afraid that "some arrow of scorn might lay him mentally low before he could raise his protective tale." Did he mean that he was scared someone would kill him before he could tell them one of the untruthful stories he made up to cover the fact that he had run away?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 10
Abstract -
Henry and the old man were standing around Jim's dead body at the beginning of this chapter. The old man was talking about the unusual manner in which Jim died. He told Henry how he was wounded, and Henry thought he was going to die. He wasn't ready to face another death of someone he had just gotten to know. The old man went on to ask Henry about his wounds again, and Henry got angry at him. He felt ashamed and told the old man off. Then he left the old man alone in the field and walked away.
Response -
Henry was still in shock from Jim's death when the old man started talking about it. I don't think he was as accustomed to death as the older man was because he wasn't as experienced in war. He got angry with the old man because he kept bringing up his wounds, and Henry didn't have any to show. He was ashamed of himself for running and not earning his "red badge of courage." At the end of the chapter, the change Henry was going through becomes apparent. He walks away from the old man, leaving him to die in the battlefield. I think Jim's death hardened him as a soldier and made him stronger.
Questions -
Henry felt guilt for not having wounds, but did he feel guilt for leaving the old man to die alone?
Henry and the old man were standing around Jim's dead body at the beginning of this chapter. The old man was talking about the unusual manner in which Jim died. He told Henry how he was wounded, and Henry thought he was going to die. He wasn't ready to face another death of someone he had just gotten to know. The old man went on to ask Henry about his wounds again, and Henry got angry at him. He felt ashamed and told the old man off. Then he left the old man alone in the field and walked away.
Response -
Henry was still in shock from Jim's death when the old man started talking about it. I don't think he was as accustomed to death as the older man was because he wasn't as experienced in war. He got angry with the old man because he kept bringing up his wounds, and Henry didn't have any to show. He was ashamed of himself for running and not earning his "red badge of courage." At the end of the chapter, the change Henry was going through becomes apparent. He walks away from the old man, leaving him to die in the battlefield. I think Jim's death hardened him as a soldier and made him stronger.
Questions -
Henry felt guilt for not having wounds, but did he feel guilt for leaving the old man to die alone?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 9
Abstract -
Henry worked his way to the back of the regiment, away from the old man, until he found himself with a bunch of wounded soldiers. He notices a tall soldier who was walking at a slower pace than the rest of the men, some of whom had slowed with him. He was motioning at them to continue walking and leave him alone. Suddenly Henry realized it was Jim, and ran up to him asking what happened. Jim asked him where he had been, and told him he'd been shot. Jim talked about his friendship with Henry, and asked him to take him out of the road if he died there. He said his biggest fear was to get run over by the enemy if he was left in the road. He started running, and Henry followed him, asking where he was going. Jim stopped running, and it seemed he had found the resting place he was looking for. He fell to the ground and Henry went over to his body. He shook his fist in the air and said "Hell."
Response -
Henry thought about the shame he was feeling when he was walking with the regiment. He didn't feel like he deserved to be with the rest of the men who had the courage to stay in battle and when he noticed Jim, those feelings just intensifyed. At the end when he says "Hell," I think he meant that he was going to give the enemy hell for killing his friend. Before he didn't have the anger towards the other men, but through the personal loss, he was able to find the hatred and motivation to try and help his army win the war.
Questions -
Did Henry find his old regiment, or was Jim in a different one when Henry showed up?
Henry worked his way to the back of the regiment, away from the old man, until he found himself with a bunch of wounded soldiers. He notices a tall soldier who was walking at a slower pace than the rest of the men, some of whom had slowed with him. He was motioning at them to continue walking and leave him alone. Suddenly Henry realized it was Jim, and ran up to him asking what happened. Jim asked him where he had been, and told him he'd been shot. Jim talked about his friendship with Henry, and asked him to take him out of the road if he died there. He said his biggest fear was to get run over by the enemy if he was left in the road. He started running, and Henry followed him, asking where he was going. Jim stopped running, and it seemed he had found the resting place he was looking for. He fell to the ground and Henry went over to his body. He shook his fist in the air and said "Hell."
Response -
Henry thought about the shame he was feeling when he was walking with the regiment. He didn't feel like he deserved to be with the rest of the men who had the courage to stay in battle and when he noticed Jim, those feelings just intensifyed. At the end when he says "Hell," I think he meant that he was going to give the enemy hell for killing his friend. Before he didn't have the anger towards the other men, but through the personal loss, he was able to find the hatred and motivation to try and help his army win the war.
Questions -
Did Henry find his old regiment, or was Jim in a different one when Henry showed up?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 8
Abstract -
Henry was sitting in the forest listening to the sounds of nature when he heard artillery noises. He started running towards the battle, and came across a camp with a few dead soldiers. He saw a regiment walking, singing a victory song. Some of the men were wounded, and he joined in with them. A man he was walking by started talking about the fight, and Henry just went along with it. The man told him about when he talked to some men from Georgia once, and they told him all the men in his army would run at the first shot of a gun. He asked Henry where he was hit, and Henry stopped walking. The man stared after him, and Henry just stared at the button on his coat.
Response -
How did Henry sneak into the regiment without being noticed? He wasn't as torn up as the rest of the men, and none of them would've recognized him. When he was observing them, I think he was thinking about how much he wished he would've stayed with his regiment instead of running away, not only because they had won, but because he had nowhere to go now. The old man talked to Henry without questioning him at first, and I think he just wanted to express his excitement from winning the battle and the pride he had in the army. I think Henry felt extremely guilty hearing about that because he wasn't worthy of the pride the old man had, and he had run like the enemy said most of the men would.
Questions -
What did the man mean by "Where are you hit," and why did Henry react the way he did?
Henry was sitting in the forest listening to the sounds of nature when he heard artillery noises. He started running towards the battle, and came across a camp with a few dead soldiers. He saw a regiment walking, singing a victory song. Some of the men were wounded, and he joined in with them. A man he was walking by started talking about the fight, and Henry just went along with it. The man told him about when he talked to some men from Georgia once, and they told him all the men in his army would run at the first shot of a gun. He asked Henry where he was hit, and Henry stopped walking. The man stared after him, and Henry just stared at the button on his coat.
Response -
How did Henry sneak into the regiment without being noticed? He wasn't as torn up as the rest of the men, and none of them would've recognized him. When he was observing them, I think he was thinking about how much he wished he would've stayed with his regiment instead of running away, not only because they had won, but because he had nowhere to go now. The old man talked to Henry without questioning him at first, and I think he just wanted to express his excitement from winning the battle and the pride he had in the army. I think Henry felt extremely guilty hearing about that because he wasn't worthy of the pride the old man had, and he had run like the enemy said most of the men would.
Questions -
What did the man mean by "Where are you hit," and why did Henry react the way he did?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 7
Abstract -
Henry hears the victorious cries of the regiment and finds out that they had one. Everyone is celebrating, but he feels "wronged." He felt bitter towards his comrades, and considered them idiots for staying and fighting when death was almost a certainty. To get away from the noise and sound of gunshots and war, Henry went into the forest. He threw a pine cone at a squirrel and it ran, reassuring him that he had done the right thing by running away from the battle. He told himself that it was nature's way to run when you're in danger. As he kept walking in the forest, he came across a dead man wearing what once was a blue uniform. The corpse was propped up against a tree with its eyes and mouth open. Henry stared at it for a while, and when he broke his stare, he ran from the corpse in fear that it may jump up or that the ants crawling all over him would follow him and eat his flesh.
Response -
I think Henry feels bitter towards the men because he wanted to be a part of the victory, not because he thought they were stupid for not fleeing from death. He hears about the battle and is mad because he could've stayed, but he ran and now he doesn't know what to do. I think the corpse represented what could lay ahead for Henry, or what he thinks is his future.
Questions -
Henry talked about how he could picture the ridicule he'd receive from his comrades if he went back to camp. What does Henry plan on doing now?
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 6
Abstract -
At the beginning of the chapter, Henry and the other men were rejoicing about their victory of holding back the enemy, when someone yelled "Here they come ag'in!" The rebel army was coming back for another battle. The closer they got, the more the men complained and were frightened. They didn't think they could fight again, especially since they were just relaxing. When the enemy was very close, Henry saw a few men start running towards the back of the regiment, abandoning their weapons, and he followed them. He ran fast, hoping to keep people behind them so they would die first. As he was running, he came upon a general. He snuck around him and the group he was with, and tried to listen to what he was saying. The general was sending a messenger to tell the regiment on the edge of the forest to halt their brigade. A moment later, he heard the general excitedly talking about how they had held back the rebel army.
Response -
I don't understand Henry's motive to run. Even though they had just been in battle, he had proven to himself that he could fight and that he did have the courage to stay with his regiment. Was he swayed by the sight of other soldiers running? Did anybody see him run? I don't see how he could get away and leave the rest of his comrades to fight on their own. I also questioned the scene with the general. When the general sent the messenger, did he know that they had held back the enemy, or did he find out later? The generals excitement is a great example of how winning small fights doesn't necessarily give you the upper-hand in war, but it gives you the confidence of knowing you can fight and hold your own.
Questions -
When Henry started running, it mentioned that he thought the whole regiment was backing away. Did he really think that, or was he trying to justify running away?
The Red Badge of Courage - Quiz 1
1. What advice does Henry's mother give him?
Henry's mother tells him to be safe and always watch his back. She tells him to stay away from the rough, bitter men who would change who he was and how he felt about war and life. She also talks to him about how he can't trust anyone, and he needs to look out for himself.
2. What question is Henry struggling with?
Henry is trying to decide whether or not he'll run away when faced with the enemy in battle. He doesn't know if he'll have the courage to stay and fight with the men around him or if he'll get scared and run off.
3. What does the "dead soldier" represent?
To Henry, the dead soldier was a reminder of the reality of war. I think he symbolized the epitome of Henry's fears, and just how serious things would get. Many of the men didn't even give the dead soldier a second glance and it showed how used to death they were, and the severity of their situation.
4. What is the "red rage?" Describe.
The red rage is what soldiers go through during war. They don't see men as people anymore and they become killing machines. They get angry at the obstacles in their way (like the thick smoke.)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 5
Abstract -
Henry was thinking about home when he heard someone call "Here they come!" Everyone prepared and loaded their guns. Brown uniforms emerged out of the smokey fields, and Henry tried to remember if his gun had been loaded, but couldn't. When he saw the enemy, he forgot about his fear, shot the first shot and fought with his regiment. Battle broke out between the troops, and many of Henry's regiment were dying or being injured. They ended up holding back the enemy in their battle, but once the fighting was over Henry realized how big the battle really was. They were surrounded by other battles, still unfinished. He recognized the beauty of the day and how odd it was that nature could continue on being so wonderful when such horrible things were going on all around it.
Response -
Henry describes himself as overcome with "red rage," not towards the other men necessarily, but at the conditions they were fighting in. "Buried in the smoke of many rifles his anger was directed not so much against the men whom he knew were rushing toward him as against the swirling battle phantoms which were choking him, stuffing their smoke robes down his parched throat. He fought frantically for respite for his senses, for air, as a babe being smothered attacks the deadly blankets." I think Henry suprised himself by staying and fighting with his comrades, and I think he felt proud that he didn't run away. It shows how much death they were exposed to when the narrator describes the reaction Henry and the other men had to all the men that were wounded and dying around them.
Questions -
What are batteries? What made Henry stay... was it the fact that he had no way out, or did he realize that he had more courage than he thought?
Henry was thinking about home when he heard someone call "Here they come!" Everyone prepared and loaded their guns. Brown uniforms emerged out of the smokey fields, and Henry tried to remember if his gun had been loaded, but couldn't. When he saw the enemy, he forgot about his fear, shot the first shot and fought with his regiment. Battle broke out between the troops, and many of Henry's regiment were dying or being injured. They ended up holding back the enemy in their battle, but once the fighting was over Henry realized how big the battle really was. They were surrounded by other battles, still unfinished. He recognized the beauty of the day and how odd it was that nature could continue on being so wonderful when such horrible things were going on all around it.
Response -
Henry describes himself as overcome with "red rage," not towards the other men necessarily, but at the conditions they were fighting in. "Buried in the smoke of many rifles his anger was directed not so much against the men whom he knew were rushing toward him as against the swirling battle phantoms which were choking him, stuffing their smoke robes down his parched throat. He fought frantically for respite for his senses, for air, as a babe being smothered attacks the deadly blankets." I think Henry suprised himself by staying and fighting with his comrades, and I think he felt proud that he didn't run away. It shows how much death they were exposed to when the narrator describes the reaction Henry and the other men had to all the men that were wounded and dying around them.
Questions -
What are batteries? What made Henry stay... was it the fact that he had no way out, or did he realize that he had more courage than he thought?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 4
Abstract -
In chapter four, the regiment was talking about rumors they'd heard about the battle. They talked about the man whose hand was stepped on in chapter three, and the generals leading the regiment that was in the battle. Then gunshots flew everywhere and the lieutenant's hand was shot. Smoke filled the battleground and the battle flag fell down. Henry thought as the men fought, and came up with this conclusion: "The composite monster which had caused the other troops to flee had not then appeared. He resolved to get a view of it, and then, he thought he might very likely run better than the best of them."
Response -
I think that the flag falling down symbolized the decreased faith the troops had in themselves. They had been negative when walking around, and mentioned how much they needed to start winning some battles. One thing I didn't completely follow was where the soldiers were in the beginning. They go from talking about the previous battle and what they'd heard straight into fighting in the smoke.
Questions -
In the last sentence of the chapter (quote mentioned in my abstract,) did Henry finally decide A) that he would run or B) that he would run if he wasn't in such a state of shock?
What were they talking about when they talked about the batt'ry?
In chapter four, the regiment was talking about rumors they'd heard about the battle. They talked about the man whose hand was stepped on in chapter three, and the generals leading the regiment that was in the battle. Then gunshots flew everywhere and the lieutenant's hand was shot. Smoke filled the battleground and the battle flag fell down. Henry thought as the men fought, and came up with this conclusion: "The composite monster which had caused the other troops to flee had not then appeared. He resolved to get a view of it, and then, he thought he might very likely run better than the best of them."
Response -
I think that the flag falling down symbolized the decreased faith the troops had in themselves. They had been negative when walking around, and mentioned how much they needed to start winning some battles. One thing I didn't completely follow was where the soldiers were in the beginning. They go from talking about the previous battle and what they'd heard straight into fighting in the smoke.
Questions -
In the last sentence of the chapter (quote mentioned in my abstract,) did Henry finally decide A) that he would run or B) that he would run if he wasn't in such a state of shock?
What were they talking about when they talked about the batt'ry?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 3
Abstract -
In chapter 3, the regiment walked around, moving from trench to trench. Some of the soldiers made walls of sticks or stones to block gunshots, and others decided to be prepared to fight without a safety zone. They came across a dead soldier while they were walking. They paid little attention, and just walked around it. Henry had the urge to stop and stare at it, and didn't understand why the rest of the men just avoided it. While they were eating lunch, a couple of the younger soldiers questioned why they were tiring themselves out by walking around when they should be saving their energy for battle. The tall soldier tried to explain to them why they were marching, but they didn't listen. In the afternoon they went back to the same land they were on in the morning, and Henry felt less frightened by it because it was familiar. He continued to question himself, wondering if death would be a greater alternative to running away. They finally emerge in battle, and Henry stays back, staring at them. The loud soldier gave Henry an envelope to give to his parents and said it would be his first and last battle, and walked away.
Response -
I was confused by the beginning of the chapter when the regiment was just walking around to different campsites. Were they looking for the enemy, avoiding it, or just waiting to run into them? I also was confused by the end. The loud soldier and Henry were just hanging back... were they planning on running away or why weren't they fighting? Henry confessed to being scared the whole time, but he never really made a decision; he had just been battling between dying quickly or running. I think it shows how young and inexperienced Henry was when he saw the corpse. None of the other guys seemed to be affected by it, but he took an interest.
Questions -
When the men were walking around and "shed their knapsacks," what did they do with them? If they had their food and extra necessities in their bags, why would they get rid of them? Had the loud soldier already been wounded when he talked to Henry, or did he just think he was going to die?
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 2
Abstract -
At the beginning of chapter 2, you find out that the message was wrong and the troop was staying at the camp longer. Many of the men fought with and sneered at those who believed they'd be moving. Henry continued to worry about whether or not he would run away when faced with a battle, and finally decided he wouldn't know until the time came. He listened to his comrades talk excitedly about battle and sometimes thought they were lying. One morning, a general came to their camp and the regiment finally got to move into action. They were moving in behind the enemy. They put tents up and made fires in the fields. Henry distanced himself from the rest of his troop and laid in the grass, thinking about the work he had to do at home. He remembered how much he hated working with the cows on the farm and wished he could be there now, instead of in the war. The loud soldier came and found him, and talked to him about how excited he was that they were moving in on the enemy. The young soldier asked him if he would ever run away, and the man tells him he doesn't think he would. They argue a little and the loud soldier leaves Henry to admit to himself that he doesn't think he'll be able to handle being in the war.
Response -
I think Henry felt a little relieved when he first found out they weren't going to make any moves. Then he started thinking about how unsure he was of himself, and wished they would go into battle right away. "He finally concluded that the only way to prove himself was to go into the blaze, and then figuratively to watch his legs to discover their merits and faults. He reluctantly admitted that he could not sit still and with a metal slate and pencil derive an answer. To gain it he must have blaze, blood, and danger, even as a chemist requires this, that, and the other. So he fretted for an opportunity." He wanted to know if he had the courage and strength that he needed to have in order to stay in the war and be a good soldier. He is very dependent on the feelings and thoughts of others, and always observes the people around him to see if he's alone in his fear.
Questions -
He's been questioning himself the entire time, and even when he knows other people have worried of the same things, he's unsatisfied. What makes Henry so unsure of himself?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Red Badge of Courage - Chapter 1
Abstract -
The chapter starts out with a soldier running to the camp with news that they will finally be moving and starting a battle. Some of the troop are excited, others don't believe the rumor. They had gotten ready to move before, and hadn't gone anywhere. A young soldier hears the news and goes off by himself to think about the battle that might occur. He thinks about when he enlisted and the sense of pride he got from others' reactions to his uniform. He also thinks about his mother's reaction to him enlisting in the army against her wishes. Two other soldiers come in and are still arguing about whether or not they'll be moving into battle the next day. Henry, the young soldier, listens as they talk and asks if they'd ever thought about running from a battle. They laughed at first, but then said that they would probably run if a bunch of guys did. At the end of the chapter, Henry felt a little better because he didn't know if he'd run during a battle or not, and hearing that other soldiers had felt the same way comforted him.
Response -
The most obvious theme, courage, is evident in the first chapter. Henry is searching for courage during a time when he has no idea where to find it. He's scared that he won't have the courage to fight during a battle, and that he'll end up running away. When Henry tells his mom he enlisted, she says: "The Lord's will be done." I didn't understand what she meant by that. She goes on to talk about how he needs to take care of and watch out for himself. On one hand, she could've meant that what's done is done and if he's careful he'll be okay. On the other hand, she could've meant that the Lord doesn't want people to fight, and he'd be condemned to hell for being part of the war.
Questions -
His mother clearly didn't want him to go to war and mentioned something about the character of his father. Is his father dead or did he leave them?
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