Fictional Literature and Philosophy - Letters P, Q, R

Red Badge of Courage, The

Author - Stephen Crane
Published - 1895
Genre: War Novel
Major Theme: A young soldier struggles with bravery during the American Civil War

Synopsis:  Crane's story is about a young soldier named Henry Fleming.  Fleming has enlisted with Union Army, fighting against the Southern Army in the American Civil War.  He joined the army with high expectations of himself, but he soon realizes that war is a terrifying experience.  Struggling with cowardliness while on the front lines, he is determined to turn his attitude around and bravely face the enemy in battle.

Philosophical Associations:

Aristotle - Nicomachean Ethics

Relevance:  Perhaps no other philosopher has placed such an important emphasis on the virtue of bravery as Aristotle.  His Nicomachean Ethics dedicates an entire chapter to bravery, also including its counterparts, cowardliness and rashness.  Aristotle lived at a time in Greece when war was a common occurrence, so he would have had much experience in the matter.  Had young Fleming had access to this work he may have found some rational assistance in his struggle to over come his fear and achieve the virtuous status of bravery he so desires.