English 208:
Discussion Questions 3

Joseph Stella Old Brooklyn Bridge

Crane, The Red Badge of Courage

Directions: After reading the lecture, answer the question below. This answer is due no later than Thursday, Mar. 2.

A well thought out answer will probably be two or three substantial paragraphs (250-350 words on average).

Your responses to other students' answers are due by midnight on Sunday, Mar. 5. Remember: in order to get the full 20 points, you MUST respond thoughtfully to at least 2 other people's postings.

Respond thoughtfully to other people's postings. Just saying "I agree" or "I disagree" does not constitute a thoughtful response. Add to the discussion with very specific, concrete examples (some from the texts, some from personal experience); it's also a good idea to ask questions which will further the discussion.

This discussion question is worth a possible 20 points. Late answers receive 0 points, so post early :)

More details, with sample questions and answers, can be found on the Discussion Board itself, under the heading "Info on Discussion Questions." Please read this carefully so you know how to get the most points for the discussions.

We will be using the Canvas Discussion Board for this class. Click on the link below to get to the LACCD portal, sign in, and then click on the link for Canvas in the right column. This will take you to the Canvas dashboard. From there, click on the square with the name of our class. Once you've entered the class, you will find the "Discussions" link on the left side of the screen:

LACCD portal


As you have seen from the lecture, there are many possible ways to interpret The Red Badge of Courage. How do you interpret it? Do you see it as a novel of heroism and redemption? As a modern myth? As a naturalistic novel, in which a human being has only the illusion of choice? As a novel about the dangers of ignorance and gullibility? Or do you have some other interpretation? Explain. Give specific examples and quotes from the novel to support your ideas.


For further information on these works, see the Links page.