The Red Badge of Courage

Exploring the psychological struggles of war, the narrative follows Henry Fleming, a Union soldier during the Civil War, who grapples with his initial eagerness to fight and subsequent flight from battle. Haunted by shame, he seeks redemption throughout the story. Stephen Crane, despite lacking firsthand combat experience, masterfully captures the brutal realities of conflict through a distinctive blend of naturalism, realism, and impressionism. The novel's immediate acclaim established Crane as a significant literary figure both in America and internationally.