HISTORY 324A  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

October 28, 1999

The following questions for discussion are based on Crane's The Red Badge of Courage.  As much as possible you should consider the novel in the context of the readings ( ie letters, etc.) that we have done to this point.  The overall objective is to assess Crane's view of the war compared to what we know from other sources.  In the widest sense we want to consider the value and limitations of literature as a source for the historian.      

1.    The Red Badge of Courage is a vivid war narrative by someone who had never participated in a war or indeed had witnessed the Civil War.  Given that seemingly serious limitation, how does Crane fare as a historian of the war?  In doing so compare Crane's understanding and use of details of the war to what you have read to this point about any aspect of the Civil War. 

2.    According to George Wyndham in his review of 1896, the central character that Crane has created "...is unlike most other young men who serve in the ranks."  Would you agree with Wyndham's assessment of the soldier as portrayed in The Red Badge of Courage.  Again in making your assessment, consider the materials to this point.           

3.    Amy Kaplan argues that the paradox of The Red Badge of Courage is that while it is held as the classic Civil War novel, it in fact says very little about the war.  Would you agree and if so, on what basis?

4.    Kaplan also notes "...the illegibility of history in Crane's war novel."  Is history illegible in the novel?  What is 'legible' in the novel?

5.    One of Crane's reviewers in The Dial in 1896 attacked the novel for its 'lack of patriotism'.  Is that a fair assessment of the novel?  From your understanding of the war, what part does patriotism play?  How could we assess the question of patriotism in the Civil War?