History 1301
Book Review
Name_______________________
Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Answer the following questions about the reading in two or three paragraphs for
each question. 20pts. each
1. What is a red badge of courage?
2. A literary device used by Crane involved the descriptive use of sound and silence
in the book. What does sound and silence represent? In your opinion, how effective
is the contrast?
3. A major theme of the book is the indifference of nature and the universe to
humanity’s suffering. Identify three symbols of this indifference and how they are
important to the book?
4. Considering that Crane had never seen a real battle, do you think his combat
scenes are realistic? Since the majority of you have never seen combat either, what
are your own interpretations of battles and wars? How did you arrive at your answer?
Has the book changed your opinion of war in any way?
5. Describe Henry’s character (personality)? Did he emerge a better man at the end
of the book or does he still suffer from immaturity? Explain.
Type your answers and use this page as a cover sheet. Due at the beginning of
class 7 May at 9:00am.