# XVII explained — The Red Badge of Courage

> Chapter companion for The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_badge_of_courage_se/chapters