character analysis Flashcards
What are the best and worst characteristics that Henry’s youth mark him with?
Henry is not jaded, and he believes in the traditional models of courage and honor and romanticizes the image of dying in battle by invoking the Greek-like heroics.
On the other hand, because he is young, he has yet to test these abstractions and, as a result, his most passionate convictions are based on fantasies, making him seem vain and self-centered.
What are Henry’s reasons for wanting to win glory in battle?
They are far from noble as the philosophical underpinnings of war do not motivate him; neither does a personal sense of right and wrong. Rather, he desires a reputation based on immortalizing himself as a hero among men from an impressive performance.
How does Crane convey Henry’s self-pride?
Henry feels little guilt about invoking his own intelligence in order to justify his cowardice as he condemns the soldiers who stayed to fight as imbeciles who were unwise to not save themselves from death. This displays how he builds up his fragile self-pride.
Further, Henry doubts neither his manhood nor his right to behave as pompously as a veteran when his true moral sense manifests itself in the emptiness of the honor and glory that he seeks.
If others call him a hero, he believes he is one.
How does war change Henry?
He loses his sense of selfishness and self. He is no longer interested in winning the praise and attention of other men; instead, he allows himself to disappear into the commotion and become one component of a great fighting machine. Instead of cheating for honor, he gains it as he becomes deeply immersed in battle.
Describe Jim Conkin
He represents a confident, realistic, and experienced soldier. He offers a pragmatic viewpoint on courage: run when others run, fight like mad when they fight. He also embodies the consequences of this viewpoint as he fights to his death and offers Henry a reality check on war.
How does Jim Conklin compare to Henry and Wilson?
He contrasts sharply as he does not romanticize war or its supposed glories. He marches through his days efficiently and without grievances. He does not get distracted by criticism and finds simple, quiet pleasure in doing his duty. His quiet demeanor persists even as he dies, not indulging in philosophizing about the cruelties and injustices of war.
Describe how Wilson was before his transformation
Before, he was initially loud, opinionated, and naive. He was an obnoxious bravado. His transformation demonstrates Wilson’s immaturity. He is initially trying desperately to assure himself of his manhood.
Describe how Wilson was after his transformation
His transformation becomes clear relatively quick. He resurfaces from battle to take care of Henry, displaying his generosity towards other soldiers.
What does Wilson’s attitude toward the envelope demonstrate?
The maturation that he has undergone. Though ashamed of his earlier display of fear, h is no longer interested in his reputation or in the amount of sheer bravery that his comrades associated with his name. Both of with ponderously plague Henry.
What does Wilson’s transformations further in the novel’s explorations?
It shows plainly what happens when one realizes the relative insignificance of their life. It contributes to the noise/silence motif as it becomes associated with youth, vanity, and struggle.
