The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane tells the gripping story of Henry Fleming, a young private in the Union army during the American Civil War.

As a farm boy untested by battle, Henry’s ideals are shattered when he flees from the charging rebels, leaving him overwhelmed with shame. Desperate to prove his bravery, Henry longs for a wound—a “red badge of courage”—as a symbol of his redemption.

This novel revolutionized American literature by delving deep into the psychological struggles and sensory perceptions of a soldier, capturing the emotional reality of war with a heightened sense of impressionism that was unprecedented.

The Red Badge of Courage remains a landmark in war literature, offering readers a profound exploration of courage, fear, and the human condition in the face of conflict.