Young Solider Henry example essay topic

A Response to Rechnitz's "Depersonalization and the Dream in Red Badge of Courage" When does one truly become a man? In the young solider Henry, we see a man who has thought about war his whole life. In Rschnitz's essay, we see that although Henry was fearless for moments, in the end he did not achieve manhood. Completely focused on what others think of him, we see a character more shaped by community rather than by being an individual. Henry seeks the praise and approval of man, leading him to become more of a follower than a leader. Thus, I agree with Rechnitz: although Henry does mature, he does not transcend his youthful weakness; he is still vain and self-obsessed, and constantly longs for the praise of others.

How much of an individual can one be while fighting in a war? It is impossible to fight alone and sacrifice is a major goal during war. Therefore, one is expected to take responsibility for his actions during the course of war. As Charles C. Walcott states, "Henry may have been fearless for moments, but his motives were vain, selfish, ignorant and childish" (Qty. In Rechnitz 223). Henry later proves exactly this when he says he might flee from the battle if others did also.

I agree with Robert Rechnitz: "Henry can thus choose to sink his individuality in group anonymity and diminish his fear by partaking of the groups strength (Rechnitz 225). Suddenly, when faced with a challenge, Henry begins to feel his courage fading and during the exchange of fire, he simply runs away. He abandons not only his comrades, but also the goal in which they are fighting for. Henry not only runs from battle, but also abandons the tattered solider. He regarded the wounded solider in an envious way (Rechnitz 227). He also desired to have a wound, his own red badge of courage.

Again, this only demonstrates selfish and ignorant characteristics of the young solider. Henry knows that in the eyes of society a wound represents courage. Therefore, he becomes more and more convinced that as times precedes, his experiences will win him the praise of women and the envy of men. Once again, this shows how Henry became not a man, but a member of society (Crane 31). As time passes there seems to be a transition in Henry's character: "He had been a tremendous figure.

By this struggle he had overcome obstacles which he had admitted to being mountains. He had awakened and found himself a knight (Crane 75). A new sense of courage rushes to Henry as he and his friend argue over who gets to carry the flag. However, still unprotected and alone, he only seeks the flag for help and protection (Rechnitz 231). Once again, I agree with Rechnitz in saying that Henry was longing to carry the flag only because he believed no harm would come to him. He comes to find that he cannot protect himself, so he chooses to drown himself once again in the group (Rechnitz 231).

This seems to be his problem throughout the novel; he is too focused on becoming a hero, or a real man in the eyes of his peers. Throughout the story, Henry struggles to preserve his manhood. Although he becomes better through his experiences, he will not be free of vanity and ignorance. Robert Rechnitz recalls, "A wretched chill of sweat overcome Henry" when he remembers deserting the abandoned solider. As Henry forgives himself for this act, it is obvious that he does not overcome his youthful weaknesses.

He has gained new perspective and insight and has confronted some hard truths, but these early conceptions of manhood prove to be simplistic, adolescent fantasies. After reviewing his growth process, it is evident that a gap still exists between youthfulness and manhood for Henry. Crane, Stephen. The Red Badge of Courage. New York: Norton, 1994. Rechnitz, Robert.

"Depersonalization and the Dream in The Red Badge of Courage". New York: Norton, 1994.223-234.