Why is the youth compared metaphorically to a jaded horse in the novel The Red Badge of Courage?
bullgatortail Teacher High School – 12th Grade eNotes Editor Author Stephen Crane gives the reader several examples of animal imagery in Chapter 6 of his novel, The Red Badge of Courage. Henry’s regiment has just beaten back a Confederate attack and, watching the grey-clad troops retreat, he feels elation of the highest kind. So it was all over at last! The supreme trial had been passed. The red, formidable difficulties of war had been vanquished. He went into an ecstasy of self-satisfaction. He had the most delightful sensations of his life. Standing as if apart from himself, he viewd that last scene. He perceived that the man who had fought thus was magnificent. He felt that he was a fine fellow. He saw himself even with those ideals which he had considered as far beyond him. He smiled in deep gratification. But Henry finds quickly that this is just an illusion. The Confederates regroup and charge again. Henry’s “ecstasy” dissolves into a tired realization that the opponent must be s
