themes of red badge of courage
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one must think through, then face his/her fears to overcome them. Henry Fleming is a perfect example of this theme in action. The first time he fights, he becomes afraid and runs away. But as he starts fighting the battle not only physically but mentally, he begins to succeed and becomes a brave hero admired by his peers and superiors. This theme may be applied to almost any fear one faces, since all fears are in the mind. If one can calmly think things through before heading straight into them, he will have more control at the right time, and have a greater chance of succeeding. As Henry proves, once a fear has been overcome by the mind, it is nearly gone. Characterization also plays a major role in this book. Henry's peers do not express the emotions that some of them obviously feel. For this reason, Henry has nobody to confide in, but is left to battle his own fears...