The red badge of courage by Steven Crane is a book that mainly focuses on growing up. Henry Fleming is a teenager who signs up to join a union regiment in order to be considered an honorable and courageous man.

Just as soon as he sells his life to the government, the extent of his decision is soon realized. Shortly after Henry and his fellow soldiers experience a drudging wait for a battle to occur. As the wait is happening Henry starts to doubt himself more and more. When the battle commences Henry starts firing without even seeing the enemy. An enemies regiment tries to charge their line. Henry retreats because he is so scared of death and his fear overwhelms him.

Henry retreats even after the battle has ended and he hears his regiment has successfully held the line and forced the...