The Red Badge of Courage · Chapter
XVII explained
Henry Fleming, enraged by the relentless enemy advance, fights with savage determination in a chaotic battle.
What happens
Henry Fleming, enraged by the relentless enemy advance, fights with savage determination in a chaotic battle. He loses himself in a fury of loading and firing, earning astonished admiration from his comrades and the lieutenant. After the fighting subsides, he reflects on his transformation from a fearful youth into a seeming 'war devil,' feeling both pride and a sense of having been a barbarian.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Cowardice
Henry's transformation from a fleeing soldier to a ferocious fighter challenges simple definitions of courage, as his rage-driven actions are both heroic and beastly.
The Mechanics of War
The chapter vividly describes the physical and mechanical aspects of battle: loading rifles, the heat of the barrel, smoke, and the relentless rhythm of firing.
Comradeship and Isolation
Henry fights almost alone at times, yet his comrades' stares and the lieutenant's praise highlight his isolation within the group even as he earns their awe.
Characters to notice
- Henry Fleming
Fights with intense rage and hate, loses self-awareness in battle, and later reflects on his transformation into a 'hero.'
- Wilson
The friend who speaks calmly about being driven into the river and later checks on Henry's well-being after the battle.
- the officer
The lieutenant who praises Henry's ferocity, calling him a 'war devil' and expressing a desire for ten thousand like him.
Key passages
“He had slept, and, awakening, found himself a knight.”
Henry felt as though he had unconsciously become a hero overnight, without realizing the process.
Highlights Henry's sudden self-perception as a brave warrior after his fierce fighting.
“By heavens, if I had ten thousand wild cats like you I could tear th' stomach outa this war in less'n a week!”
The lieutenant exclaims that with many soldiers as fierce as Henry, the war could be ended quickly.
Shows the lieutenant's admiration for Henry's ferocity in battle.
“It was revealed to him that he had been a barbarian, a beast. He had fought like a pagan who defends his religion.”
Henry realized that his fighting had been savage and primal, like a pagan defending his faith.
Reflects Henry's moral reflection on his own brutal behavior.