This quote is stated by the narrator on page 10 of chapter 1. Before the first battle, new recruit Henry must understand a question regarding his courage. Will he, when faced with the enemy and the high chance of painful death, stand tall and fight, or retreat in pity. Stephen Crane becomes for the rest of the novel, in Henry's head, working through showing the consequences of what Henry eventually goes on to do. This main question and Henry's work with it is one of the reasons why the novel is so tense. It is extremely realistic and relatable. All young soldiers no doubt ponder whether or not they have what it takes to face death and carry out their orders. Henry smartly acknowledges that nothing in his comfortable life leading up to the war
