Crane, The Red Badge of Courage
Directions: After reading the lecture, answer the question below. This answer is due no later than Thursday, September 22.
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 Saturday, September 24. Remember: in order to get the full 20 points, you MUST respond thoughtfully to at least 3 or 4 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 :)
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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.
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