g squirrel, but the death he had been trying so hard to escape at the battle site. When the dead soldier and the living one stand facing each other, the youth realizes that although he can cowardly run from a battle, he can not evade the fate of death. Once again horrified, Henry runs away from the green corpse, but in a different manner than when he fled the "green monster" during the battle. This time, he tries to sense/observe the corpse. Towards, the end of the novel, Henry discards the expectations of his peers and declares his individuality and courage. During the final battle, Henry runs "like a madman . . . and the scene [is] a wild blur. Pulsating saliva [stands] at the corners of his mouth" (146). Henry's madness is derived from the pressures of war. The pressures from the commanders and the enemies make him speed forward toward the firing guns. Crane defines courage as the "sublime absence of selfishness". Thus, Henry, aware that he must face some form of death, moves beyond his terrified and cautious childhood that prompted him to desert the first battle early on, and, instead, courageously rushes to rescue the falling American flag. (147). Henry feels it is his personal duty to save that which represents his regiment's achievements and is a tangible sign of their success. He risks being shot at–as he is an easy target–and displays courage and willpower. In short, Henry is somewhat wiser to the brutal affairs of war, and as a result, he understands more about himself and his own prowess. Henry can see himself as the hero of the group, for his seizure of the flag is Henry's ultimate rite of passage. Like Henry, Wilson also begins the book as an immature, boastful young soldier, but through battle he reexamines himself and gains wisdom and compassion. At first, Wilson As the regiment prepares for their first battle, Henry Fleming asks Wilson whether he shares his fears, but the loud soldier spouts con...
