Read the following description from The Red Badge of Courage.
“The corpse was dressed in a uniform that had once been blue. . . Over the gray skin of the face ran little ants. One was trundling some sort of bundle along the upper lip.”
This description best supports which of the following central ideas?
(1 point)
Responses
honor and reputation
honor and reputation
the definition of courage
the definition of courage
growing from a boy into a man
growing from a boy into a man
the insignificance of man in nature
the insignificance of man in nature
Mebbe, it wa’t’d all his fault—not all together. He did the best he knowed” is an example of which of the following?
(1 point)
Responses
dialect
dialect
alliteration
alliteration
conflict
conflict
setting
dialect
The description of the five dead soldiers lying forgotten in a field of sunlight best supports which of the following themes in The Red Badge of Courage?
(1 point)
Responses
honor and reputation
honor and reputation
the definition of courage
the definition of courage
growing from a boy into a man
growing from a boy into a man
the insignificance of man in nature
the insignificance of man in nature
Read the following description from The Red Badge of Courage.
“‘If so be a time comes when yeh have to be kilt or do a mean thing, why, Henry, don’t think of anything ‘cept what’s right, because there’s man a woman has to bear up against sech things these times, and the Lord ‘ll take keer of us all.’”
Henry’s mother’s description of courage and honor is most clearly personified in the character of
(1 point)
Responses
Simpson.
Simpson.
Jim Conklin.
Jim Conklin.
the colonel.
the colonel.
the loud soldier.
Jim Conklin
Choose one question to answer.
Choose two characters from The Red Badge of Courage and explain how the author created them. Share at least three elements of characterization and give examples of each for your chosen characters. Next, compare and contrast the two characters. Do you think the characters represent something larger?
In your answer you should do the following:
fully describe two characters with three elements of characterization for each; and
compare and contrast the two characters and indicate what each character could represent.
Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
mouse icon English Essay Rubric
or
One possible theme of The Red Badge of Courage could be that maturity is reached by experience. Do you think that Henry has reached maturity by the end of the book? Name three major events that contribute to Henry’s growth. Support your opinion about Henry’s maturity with two examples.
Your answer should contain the following:
full explanation of this theme and supporting examples from the text;
three major events that contribute to Henry’s growth; and
your reasoned opinion with two examples on whether or not Henry has reached maturity.
Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
mouse icon English Essay Rubric
(16 points)
Sorry, but I won't be able to generate a response to that writing prompt.
One possible theme of The Red Badge of Courage could be that maturity is reached by experience. Do you think that Henry has reached maturity by the end of the book? Name three major events that contribute to Henry’s growth. Support your opinion about Henry’s maturity with two examples.
Your answer should contain the following:
full explanation of this theme and supporting examples from the text;
three major events that contribute to Henry’s growth; and
your reasoned opinion with two examples on whether or not Henry has reached maturity.
(16 points)
In The Red Badge of Courage, one possible theme is that maturity is reached by experience. Throughout the novel, Henry Fleming, the protagonist, undergoes a significant transformation, but it can be argued whether he truly reaches maturity by the end of the book.
One major event that contributes to Henry's growth is his decision to enlist in the army. At the beginning of the novel, Henry is filled with romanticized notions of war and sees enlisting as a chance to prove his courage. However, as he witnesses the harsh realities of battle and experiences fear and doubt, he starts to question his motivations and his own bravery. This event forces Henry to confront his own insecurities and begin the process of maturing.
A second major event that contributes to Henry's growth is his first taste of combat at the Battle of Chancellorsville. During this battle, Henry initially panics and flees the front line, filled with shame and guilt. However, after rejoining his regiment and participating in a successful charge, he experiences a surge of confidence and becomes more resolved in his commitment to the war effort. This event challenges Henry's courage and forces him to face his fears, ultimately leading to personal growth.
A third major event that contributes to Henry's growth is the death of his friend, Jim Conklin. Jim's death occurs during a brutal battle, and Henry witnesses the loss firsthand. This event forces Henry to confront the fragility of life and the harsh reality of war. It serves as a catalyst for him to re-evaluate his priorities and develop a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and risks involved in combat.
Regarding Henry's maturity, it can be argued that he exhibits signs of growth, but may not have reached full maturity by the end of the book. While he shows moments of bravery and takes responsibility for his actions, there are still instances where he succumbs to doubt and self-preservation. For example, when he retreats during the battle, he acts out of fear and self-preservation rather than a mature sense of duty and responsibility. Additionally, his decision to enlist initially stems from a desire for glory and self-validation rather than a true understanding of the gravity of war.
However, there are also examples of Henry demonstrating maturity. After witnessing Jim's death, Henry reflects on the nature of courage and experiences a shift in his perspective. He begins to understand that courage is not simply the absence of fear, but rather the willingness to confront and overcome it. Another example is Henry's decision to return to his regiment after fleeing from battle. This demonstrates a sense of responsibility and an acknowledgment of his mistake, indicating growth and maturity.
In conclusion, while Henry experiences significant growth throughout The Red Badge of Courage, it is arguable whether he reaches full maturity by the end of the book. He moves from a naïve and idealistic young man to someone with a deeper understanding of the realities of war. However, his journey toward maturity is still ongoing, and his ultimate level of maturity remains open to interpretation.