Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Taking place during the American Civil War, The Red Badge of Courage is the story of a young private of the Union Army, Henry Fleming, who flees from the field of battle. Overcome with shame, he longs for a wound, a “red badge of courage,” to counteract his cowardice. When his regiment once again faces the enemy, Henry takes courage and becomes one of the best fighters in his battalion as well as taking up the flag for his regiment as standard-bearer. The novel is known for its distinctive style, which includes realistic battle sequences as well as the repeated use of color imagery, and ironic tone. Separating itself from a traditional war narrative, Crane’s story reflects the inner experience of its protagonist (a soldier fleeing from combat) rather than the external world around him. With enduring ability to hold the reader’s attention The Red Badge of Courage still stands as a landmark of American fiction.

4 Hours and 40 Minutes.

You can purchase The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane here.