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The Red Badge of Courage, published in 1895 by American author Stephen Crane, is a novel that serves as a poignant exploration of fear, courage, and self-discovery during the American Civil War
. The novel follows the young soldier Henry Fleming, who grapples with the internal conflicts of cowardice and bravery. As he confronts the harsh realities of battle, the narrative delves into the psychological toll of war and the quest for personal honor. The Red Badge of Courage has been adapted to the screen many times, including a 1951 version directed by John Huston.Read the free full text, the full book summary, an in-depth character analysis of Henry Fleming, and explanations of important quotes from The Red Badge of Courage.