The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane outlines the effects of war on a Union soldier, Henry Fleming, from his dreams of being a soldier, to his enlistment, and through several battles of the Civil War.
             Henry Fleming was not happy with his boring life on the farm. He wanted to become a hero in war and have girls loving him for his big achievements in battle. He knew his mother would not like to see him go to war, but it was his decision to make. He dreamed of the exiting battles of war and the thrill of fighting magnificent battles. He didn't want to stay on the farm with nothing to do, so he made the final decision to enlist.
             After enlisting he finds himself just sitting around with nothing to do. He manages to make friends with two other soldiers, John Wilson and Jim Conklin. Wilson was as exited about going to war like Henry, while Jim was positive about the success of the new regiment. Henry started to realize after a few days of marching, that their regiment was just wandering pointlessly, and going in circles. They kept marching on without fighting. During time Henry started to think about the battles in a different way, he started to become afraid that he might run from battle when duty calls.
             When the regiment finally learns of a battle taking place, Jim gives Henry a little packet in a yellow envelope, telling Henry that this will be his first and last battle. The regiment managed to hold off the rebels for the first charge, but then the rebels came back driving the regiment back. One man started to flee, then another, and another still. Henry was scared, confused, and in a daze as he saw his army losing. He finally got up and started running away from the enemy.
             Henry started to think about his behavior after running away. At first he feels he was a stupid coward for running but he feels he was just saving himself for later. He didn't want to die, even though his side is losing. He be
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