The Red Badge of Courage Discussion, Will He Run

Start with the before reading sheet, then use the discussion sheets in chapter order. Assign the response sheet after the last chapter.

Discuss whether Henry Fleming will run after Jim Conklin's false rumor of battle. The directions on the page read: Read the passage closely. You will answer questions about it on the next page. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade novel studies, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Henry Fleming joins the Union army dreaming of glory, panics and runs in his first battle, and later returns to fight bravely. The book follows how his ideas about courage change.

A red badge of courage is a wound earned in battle. Henry wishes he had one after he runs, and his head wound comes from a fleeing soldier, not the enemy.

Crane mostly calls characters by labels such as the youth and the tall soldier. Red Badge of Courage Character Archetype Cards asks students to explain this choice.