Analysis of Theme and Naturalism in The Red Badge of Courage

This essay provides an analysis of Stephen Crane's novel, *The Red Badge of Courage*. It delves into the central theme of 'Man & the Natural World,' supported by textual evidence and examples of Henry Fleming's character development. The essay explores how naturalism is intricately linked to the novel's theme, emphasizing the belief that fate and nature hold greater power than humanity. Through examining Henry's fears, doubts, and reactions to his surroundings, the essay illustrates how Crane portrays the indifference of nature and its impact on human experience. The essay utilizes quotes from the novel to support its arguments and concludes that Crane successfully conveys the theme of man's limited control over the natural world, aligning with the principles of naturalism. The essay also discusses the character development of Henry, and the significance of the theme of Man & the Natural World in the novel.

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Introduction
‘The Red Badge of courage remains a story written by American author known as
Stephen crane. This story talks about a young soldier by the name Henry Fleming, who escapes
from the battle field. Some of the character traits of Henry that can be seen here are fears and
doubts. The main theme of this story is Man & the Natural World’; thus, it is an excellent
example of naturalism. Henry's survival against indifferent nature, where he feels helpless, helps
creates Man & the Natural world as the central theme of the story. Based on the information
provided above, it is true that Stephen Crane was successful in creating the theme of Man & the
Natural world
Man & the Natural World
The main theme of this novel is Man & the Natural World. There are many examples
from the story that help support this theme. For example, ‘’Absurd thoughts took grip upon
Henry. Henry thought that he failed to relish the surrounding landscape. This threatened him. A
coldness swept over his back, and it remains clear that his trouser indicated to him that they were
no fit for his leg (3.27).’’ This quote supports the theme in that it shows Henry's traits and the
kinds of emotions that he experiences. Henry is trying to create some description of the feelings
he has during the battle. The second quote that supports this theme is that the story states, ‘’over
the river the sun’s ray reflect via the leaden rain clouds’ hosts (24.34).’’ We have discussed the
finding of the indifference of the nature of Henry to the battles’ events. Nature indeed appears in

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tune mainly with the transformation and revelation of Henry in this novel. From the two quotes
mentioned above, it is true that ‘man & the natural world’ is the central theme in the novel
Character Development of Henry
In the second chapter, the character development of Henry moves fast to Henry's fears
and doubts as the soldiers move closer to war. For example, the novel states, at one point, the
fears of Henry become so great that ''Henry had resolved that it could be better to kill himself in
order to finish his trouble'' (p. 19). This character trait of Henry shows that he was worried about
what nature will bring to them as troops. The development helps the audience connect with the
character because it creates a strange situation that motivates the reader to find out the outcome
of the situation. There is another example from the novel that helps support Henry's character
development. For instance, the story argues,'' the doubts of Henry continue as he reacts to the
surrounding environment- both the people and the land'' (p. 18). The development helps the
audience connect with the character because it shows a clear picture of the scene. The character
development of Henry indeed states how man has no control over the natural world.
Naturalism in the novel refers to the belief that fate and nature remain a far larger force
compared to the man. Naturalism strongly relates to the theme of ‘man & the nature world.' The
main message in this novel is that nature has a far larger force compared to a man. Example from
the novel that helps show the message of the novel was on (p 796). From this page, we found
how the union soldiers were eagerly waiting around the camp with no control over the day they
were going into the war. The audience shall connect to this massage as this passage indicates
how life remains like a struggle, and only the fittest individuals survive.
Conclusion
This novel indeed confirmed that nature has a far larger force compared to the man. One
of the themes discussed in this paper is Man & the Natural World. One quote that supports this

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theme is, quote that supports this theme is that the story states, ‘’over the river the sun’s ray
reflect via the leaden rain clouds’ hosts (24.34).’’ Also, we found out from the story how the
character development of Henry moves fast to Henry's fears and doubts as the soldiers move
closer to war. Lastly, this paper confirmed how the theme of Man & the Natural World relates to
naturalism.

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Work Cited
Crane, Stephen. "The Red Badge of Courage. 1895." New York: Harper's (2008).