Henry Fleming In Red Badge Of Courage Essay -- Red Badge Of Courage

Henry Fleming in Red Badge of CourageThe Civil struggle forced many young boys out of childhood and into adulthood. Mostof these young boys were not prepared for war, and Henry Fleming was one ofthese boys.Henry Flemings life in stark naked York was routine. He had his normal share offriends and lived on a farm. When Henry got up in the mornings, he always knewexactly what the day had in store for him. This elemental and boring life droveHenry to enlist.Henry wanted some excitement and to be seen by everyone as a hero. He wanted tobe a man. However, his mother was strictly against his joining the Union Army.She thought that the Army was for rough and uncivilized heathens.His mothers greatest fear was that these heathens would influence Henry tostart swallow and swearing. Despite his mothers concerns, Henry enlisted inthe Army.But being in the Army wasnt enough, Henry was anxious to go to battle. Allalong the way to his station he and his fellow recruits were treated kindly.Old me n patted them on their backs and young boys admired them when they stoppedfor rest. This warm feeling faded when they reached the camp. Here life wasboring for Henry. The solo thing his company did was drill day in and day out.All of the experienced soldiers told war stories every night by the campfire.Henry could only learn because he was still wet behind the ears. He feltleft out and often sat alone wondering about battle. War was like an deceitto him....