Henry's youthful cowardliness began when "he burned ... to enlist"(Babusci 577). His motive was an attempt to achieve adulthood and heroism. From birth, Henry was subject to the guidance of his mother; however, her guidance was more dictation than recommendation. For instance, when he initially informed her of his desire to enlist, she heartlessly discouraged him, urging him not to be a fool. Once Henry departed his diminutive hometown, he arrived in Washington with great expectations. Henry believed enlisting instantaneously classified him as a hero. More than anything, Henry relied on his imagination to de

Henry's view of reality was primarily emotional. Henry feels, yet he does not think. To cite an instance, Henry deemed himself as a hero the moment he reached Washington, "...his spirit had soared...until the youth believed that he must be a hero"(Babusci 580). In Washington, Henry was "fed and caressed" with an abundance of delicious delights. There were all sorts of pickles and cheeses, breads and cold meats, the coffee and the elegant enchanting smile upon each girl's face he witnessed. Henry felt as bold as a hero did, for this fete was anything but banal. However, Henry never understood the definition of a hero, not the deeds, nor the obstacles he must defeat. He felt the praise of being a soldier.

fine war and its glorious battles, as Greek epics did. He often compared the enemy to beasts and dragons; he felt if he could conquer those savages of the South, he too could be a hero.

Henry Fleming overcame a great obstacle to acquire his manhood. In The Lion King, Simba forced himself to believe he was a hero because the "worst critic in life is yourself." Simba had to return to his original home and surpass the feat that was obstructing him from his destiny. Simba's destiny was to become the king of the Pride Lands, and he required barely a small inspiration to activate his rebirth. Henry Fleming also needed the corresponding type of inspiration to reestablish his pride and self-respect. As with Simba, Henry experienced a displeasing situation that altered his view of himself. Henry hid from his true self, He believed that he could not fix his mistake nor could he change. However, when Henry saw the "spectral soldier" slowly deteriorating he began to change his entire outlook. It made him understand reality, understand devotion, and understand responsibility. Henry ventured away from his childhood and entered manhood through a test that many would have easily given up.

The Red Badge of Courage encompassed Henry Fleming's quests for maturity, heroism, and individuality. Initially, Henry was a naive boy whose imagination guided him through many obstacles. Henry was "a fish out of water"; he was a juvenile in the unfamiliar adult world. Henry enlisted not knowing anyone in his regiment. It was a hard task to overcome the isolation and loneliness. Once Henry began to "fit in" his next task was to strive for approval. Henry was afraid of running during battle because he was afraid of becoming an outcast because of his cowardliness. The youth eventually realized he must be true to himself and judge situations with his conscience and not his imagination; he realized reality. The reality was the war and the battles. It was the events happening without him, the remainder of the regiment. In the end, Henry responsibly became aware of himself and his life. He became aware that he must be in charge of his own actions and direct the outcome of his life. For if he foll

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Approximate Word count = 1967
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)