The style of the popular novel has changed with every new decade, but one theme has consistently lingered in the history of literature: facing the unknown. Life is entirely an unknown, which was something all too familiar to Bret Harte and Stephen Crane. These two authors are known for works in which the main character or characters must push through a point of true adversity, be it mental or physical. The resolution to a theme such as facing the unknown has always been simple in word alone; it can be described as "adaptation". However, the prominent works of each—The Red Badge of Courage by Crane and The Luck of Roaring Camp by Harte—prove that one must push until the moment comes in which the obstacle is overcome. In the novella The Red
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Before this conflict, Henry only thought of himself and his well-being over that of a cause, which is why he ran away from battle toward the beginning of the novella. He spent most of the time between his running away and the battle at hand attempting to justify his actions, settling finally on the line he had left being “the imbecile line” and convinces himself that running was “full of strategy” and “work of a master’s legs” (41). Henry’s mind quickly evades the tactic of running and exchanges it for courage in battle. The change between fear and dauntlessness can be clearly seen on page 101, in the moments before Henry becomes the bearer of the flag. Crane writes that in the moment Henry saw the flag in him "was born a love, a despairing fondness for this flag which was near him". This patriotic love Henry uncovers within drives him to pick up the colors and lead the charge when the bearer is killed a short while later. The passion for the flag helps Henry find true purpose; his purpose is no longer to save himself, but is now to fight for the cause. Henry also sees a need for bravery and heroism when the flag bearer is hit. Crane writes on page 101 that "no harm could come to it [the flag]". At no point in time were the colors to hit the ground and be lost to the battlefield; therefore, it was …show more content…
At first, the members of the town decide upon adopting the child. Soon after this decision is made, confusion and an unsure future weave through Roaring Camp when it is realized that the baby would have no female influence. The town as a whole is excited to have had a birth, but unsure of what to do with the motherless baby. The change here is rather abrupt, but continues for a longer period of time. Even from the baby’s beginnings, he brought changes to the camp. Roaring Camp gradually shifts from an isolated town of ruffian men to a town of civility. This first shift is made when the baby, “the Luck”, is baptized. Harte writes that the boy “was christened as seriously as he would have been under a Christian roof, and cried and was comforted in an orthodox fashion” (3). The baptism of “the Luck” brings about serious and quick changes to Roaring Camp, such as a sudden halt of all profanity, especially the expletives referring to luck. The child also brings about a change in the views of the men; they “had suddenly awakened to the fact that there were beauty and significance” in all that they did, whereas before they had overlooked the beauty of the world around them. Up until the influence of the Luck, Roaring Camp had discouraged immigration, “to make
Before this conflict, Henry only thought of himself and his well-being over that of a cause, which is why he ran away from battle toward the beginning of the novella. He spent most of the time between his running away and the battle at hand attempting to justify his actions, settling finally on the line he had left being “the imbecile line” and convinces himself that running was “full of strategy” and “work of a master’s legs” (41). Henry’s mind quickly evades the tactic of running and exchanges it for courage in battle. The change between fear and dauntlessness can be clearly seen on page 101, in the moments before Henry becomes the bearer of the flag. Crane writes that in the moment Henry saw the flag in him "was born a love, a despairing fondness for this flag which was near him". This patriotic love Henry uncovers within drives him to pick up the colors and lead the charge when the bearer is killed a short while later. The passion for the flag helps Henry find true purpose; his purpose is no longer to save himself, but is now to fight for the cause. Henry also sees a need for bravery and heroism when the flag bearer is hit. Crane writes on page 101 that "no harm could come to it [the flag]". At no point in time were the colors to hit the ground and be lost to the battlefield; therefore, it was …show more content…
At first, the members of the town decide upon adopting the child. Soon after this decision is made, confusion and an unsure future weave through Roaring Camp when it is realized that the baby would have no female influence. The town as a whole is excited to have had a birth, but unsure of what to do with the motherless baby. The change here is rather abrupt, but continues for a longer period of time. Even from the baby’s beginnings, he brought changes to the camp. Roaring Camp gradually shifts from an isolated town of ruffian men to a town of civility. This first shift is made when the baby, “the Luck”, is baptized. Harte writes that the boy “was christened as seriously as he would have been under a Christian roof, and cried and was comforted in an orthodox fashion” (3). The baptism of “the Luck” brings about serious and quick changes to Roaring Camp, such as a sudden halt of all profanity, especially the expletives referring to luck. The child also brings about a change in the views of the men; they “had suddenly awakened to the fact that there were beauty and significance” in all that they did, whereas before they had overlooked the beauty of the world around them. Up until the influence of the Luck, Roaring Camp had discouraged immigration, “to make