Why would we grow so fond of war? because it is in our nature to do so. The tendency to make war is at the very core of our society. This is illustrated in the novel The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. Published in 1895 this book follows a young Union solder through the psychological stress of combat. The impersonality of war and war as the nature of society are to main themes of the novel.

In the very first chapter of the book these themes are everywhere. “Shucks!’ said the loud one. The youth remained silent for a time”(9). The author gives very few of the characters in this story names, they are simply referred to as the tall solder or the tattered solder. This is done not only to let us know instantaneously something of there personality but also to demonstrate the impersonality of war and by extension our society. It is true that in modern society you are, in most cases not know by your name but as a number next to a lot of other numbers in a file some where. Students are known simply by their matric number. You are known to the IRS simply as 123-45-6789. Just as the solder on the battle

At the end of the book this impersonality takes on an ironic tone. “The youth had resolved not to budge whatever should happen...This was to be a poignant retaliation on the officer who had said ‘mule drivers’ and ‘mud diggers’”(121). The youth’s unit name was not even used, they were referred to by derogatory nick names because they had not performed as the General thought they should. Because of this the youth and many of his comrades become more determined to stand their ground against the relentless onslaught of their gray attackers. During this the youth, as the color bearer, after having grabbed the flag when the Color Sargent was killed in their first charge, made the decision to stand his ground no matter what the coast. Then the Colonel, realizing they were doomed where they were, orders a charge. So, without to much urging, the youth and his regiment fix bayonets and gallantly charge down the hill toward the enemy fence line. “The smoke, rolling, revealed men who ran...But at one part of the line there was a grim, obdurate group that made no movement. They were settled firmly...a flag, ruffled and fierce...Its possession would be a high pride...He plunged like a made horse at it”(124).As they charge all but a small group of Confederates, who had made a decision to stand their ground no matter the coast, flee the field. Without ever realizing that these solders were doing what they themselves had been preparing to do, they dutifully kill them. The youth even takes a special interest in capturi

Some topics in this essay:
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