Poem:

As I lay anxiously,
Before the alarm clock rang,
While I anticipated the game,
Whenever I should have been resting,
I was mentally preparing for the big game.

While I laced up my shoes,
As I fixed my hair,
When I put on that jersey,
Before the first serve was tossed,
It is now time for the game to begin.

The Red Badge of Courage Essay:

Introduction 1:

          If you were told you could save thousands of American lives, protect their freedom, or save yourself from being killed would you be motivated to fight? Henry, the main character in “The Red Badge of Courage,” learned to be courageous and stand for what is right even if it meant his death. Therefore, the title definitely holds a role of significance for the entire novel.

Introduction 2:

          The title, “The Red Badge of Courage,” first reminded me of the movie “The Blind Side.” At first, both characters felt weak and insignificant, but both ended up gaining enough courage and strength to find out who they really are. Fortunately, both Michael from “The Blind Side,” and Henry from “The Red Badge of Courage,” proved their courage by leading their “teams” into victory. Therefore, the title definitely holds a role of significance for the entire novel.

Introduction 3:

          In the title, “The Red Badge of Courage,” the author creates a picture in my mind of a strong, courageous warrior who earns his place in the world, by shedding blood, tears, and precious memories. The title definitely holds a role of significance for the entire novel.

 Body:

          The author, Steven Crane, connected the significance of the color “Red” to the bloody aggression of the battle. As a child, Henry, anxious about what the war held for his future, “imagined the red, live bones sticking out through the slits in the faded uniforms.” Unfortunately, he was incapable of fully comprehending the entirety of war and its consequences. Henry also created a sense of energy and adrenaline with his words. Even though he was surrounded by war and death, he “[soared] on the wings of war.” Cranes way of speaking of war and death were lightened by his choice of words, making the scene seem less gruesome. The color red was interpreted as mostly blood, fire, and death, but also a hope buried in the fact that you are capable of overcoming anything you face.

          The title also consisted of the word “courage,” which played an important role in the story. Before the war could press on, Henry had to acquire “an expression of exalted courage,” that required him to give up his life at an instance as a sacrifice for his country. He learned that being courageous and having faith could take him further than taking the backseat, allowing his army to crumble around him. His personality shift allowed him to “[bear] a load of courage,” that he had never known before. His courage enabled him to lead when everyone else couldn’t, which required him to handle the pressure of being a soldier and fight for what he believed. His persistent and steadfast courage helped win the war, and more importantly, win his inner war.

Conclusion:

          The title “The Red Badge of Courage,” definitely holds an important role in the plot of the story. The courage that Henry learned to obtain brought a change in the war and in people around him. He proved that any potential goal is possible and within your reach.