Red Badge of Courage plot summary
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"The Red Badge of Courage" opens with the rumor that young Henry Fleming is about to embark upon his first Civil War battle. Excitement is evident among most of the troops, but Henry was more reluctant. Up until this point, he had done nothing in the Union Army except sit around camp and toil with his emotions.
Henry joined the Union Army because of the stories of heroism and glory that he had read in epic tales of war. As he left his hometown after enlisting, Henry soaked up the admiration and praise of his peers from the seminary. He also enjoyed many special privileges on the afternoon of his departure. Once Henry was in the Army and stationed, he was only waiting to become one of the magnificent war heroes that he had read about. However, Henry's regiment does not engage in battle for a good deal of time, leaving endless hours for Henry to do nothing but think. While sitting in camp, Henry begins to question himself and whether he will fight the enemy or run from them when the time comes. After days of contemplation, Henry decides that only a battle will provide him with the answer to his difficult problem...