As the novel unfolds, it is plain that Crane is writing about the horrors and tragedies of war, even by using the idea of contrasting the events of the war with nature. Although many critics have viewed the book as a naturalistic or realistic novel, some specific examples can describe how it relates to the anti-war theme.

As Henry is on guard duty one evening, he converses across the river with a Confederate soldier. "The youth liked him personally," says Crane. Henry's feeling towards his enemy shows that he is unclear about the war's purpose. At this point Henry probably would like to flee home. Henry is seeing the enemy as real and hu

As you can see, Stephen Crane's novel, The Red Badge of Courage, is an examination of how bad war is and how it disrupts life. From Henry's realization of how normal the enemy is, the contrast of war and nature, and the descriptions of the fighting and dead bodies, Crane clearly shows that war is a treacherous ordeal. Although Crane had never experienced a war firsthand, his descriptions and examinations of Henry and the war show that he understands how it all works. The novel can be seen on many different levels. But when closely examined, it is clear that the novel is an analysis of the horrors of war.

Crane continues his negative depiction by showing the nature instinct of a squirrel. Henry threw a pinecone at a squirrel, and he quickly scurried away. "He did not stand stolidly baring his furry belly to the missile, and die with an upward glance at the sympathetic heavens. On the contrary, he had fled as fast as his legs could carry him" (603) The squirrel didn't have to think, he ran on instinct. It was concerned with its life, and nothing else. This made Henry think about what he was fighting for. If a squirrel fled on instinct, why couldn't he?

Crane also uses the contrast of nature with war to show his anti-war theme. At the end of his regiment's first battle, Henry is waiting quietly with the men. As the shooting ceases, Henry looks about him into the beauty of nature. "As he gazed around him the youth felt a flash of astonishment at the blue pure sky and the sun gleaming on the trees and fields. It was surprising t

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Approximate Word count = 1047
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)