Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
The Red Badge
of Courage
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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The Red Badge of Courage / 1
W
Introduction to The Red Badge of Courage
AR is a hellish business, both brutal and unjust.
Yet, the Bible tells us that war is the result of our
lusts. The lust for power and control often lead
nations to war. Normal people do not start wars; however, men
and women kill because politicians convince them that killing is
a patriotic duty. In the case of the War against Southern
Independence, the conflict was imperialism against selfdetermination. President Lincoln sought a radical change in the
role of the central government, where the several states would
be merely provinces to a centralized power. The end of the war
brought the destruction of the federal government with the U.S.
Constitution and created the beginnings of an all-powerful,
unitary American state that would govern through
administrative law. The American ideal of government by the
consent of the governed died on the battlefields both in the
North and in the South.
Even though he did not fight in the war, Stephen Crane writes a very realistic novel about the
horrors of war. The reason for this realism is that Crane interviewed many veterans who fought
the battles. After writing detailed notes, Crane had plenty of material to write The Red Badge of
Courage, which realistically portrays the “business” of war. This novel details an isolated battle
during the war. However, Crane uses the physical battle to represent the unseen mental warfare
raging within the mind of the young Unionist soldier, Henry Fleming. As an untested recruit in
battle, Fleming undergoes an initiation not only as a member of a fighting regiment, but also as
a bewildered soul searching for the meaning of courage and for purpose in life.
Fleming quickly learns that war is truly a hell of deafening noise and battered bodies, but this
torment fails in comparison with the suffering of his own mental confusion. Like the later novel
about World War I, All Quiet on the Western Front, this novel about the War against Southern
Independence is an anti-war statement. Such works center on the individual soldier. War
becomes a brutal reality when individual human beings are concerned. On the other hand, war
seems rather glorious when abstracts like armies, divisions, or regiments are concerned. The
solitary soldier becomes part of a unit, losing his identity, only to become “an acceptable loss,”
or “a casualty of war.”
While Fleming struggles with the meaning of courage, his reaction to the death of Jim
Conklin becomes pivotal to the whole novel. Not surprising, critics fail to agree whether
Fleming learns to be courageous, or whether the young man is merely mechanical to the events
about him. As you read the novel, you should notice evidence that will support both of these
positions.
Also, as you read The Red Badge of Courage, you will feel that justice does not exist.
Fleming and others should be punished, but they are not. The reason for this is that there is a
lack of complete knowledge during the confusion of battle. In addition to this, you will become
aware that men are killed for no apparent reason. The objectives are vague, and the reasons for
fighting seem even more vague. The message in The Red Badge of Courage explains that war is
senseless carnage and purposeless insanity in which true courage does not exist.
War has been defined in many ways; however, all definitions suggest that war is long periods
of boredom with very short spurts of pure terror. You will notice that Fleming is bored sitting in
2 / The Red Badge of Courage
camp doing nothing but drilling. He wants to fight like the rest of his regiment. However, when
the fighting begins, the men become terrified. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest said
it best: “War mean fightin’, and fightin’ means killin’.” Ambrose Bierce, who was a highly
decorated Unionist soldier, states in one of his short stories that a good soldier will try to get
himself killed. Thus, the perceived bravery and daring of heroes are really a reckless attempt to
commit suicide. If the soldier is lucky, he will survive the ordeal and will have bragging rights
later.
Yet, most soldiers who see conflict in the front lines seldom talk about their experiences.
Herein lies the great value of a work like The Red Badge of Courage. You do not have to
personally experience war with its blood, maiming, and death. However, the emotions that the
reader will experience are real, and the danger will be lifelike. Your assignment, if you agree to
accept it, is to voluntarily enlist with the 304th New York Volunteers.
ROBERT W. WATSON
The Red Badge of Courage / 3
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
purl v.
affront n.
brindled adj.
vivacious adj.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. I have many rabbits; however, one I call “Spotty,” because she is _____________.
2. While the mountain stream ____________(ed), the three friends awoke refreshed from their
sleep under the stars.
3. I enjoy being around Shannon. Life is never dull for her, since Shannon is always happy and
__________________.
4. Your calling me a “dumb bunny” is an __________________ to my keen intelligence.
1.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapter 1
1.4 Recall Questions
1. What news did the tall soldier bring back his camp?
2. What does the youthful soldier do when he heard the news?
3. Who opposed Henry’s desire to enlist in the Union army?
4. What did the mother give to Henry that he especially enjoyed?
5. When Henry arrived at the camp, how did he find the life in camp to be?
6. What was the one thing that Henry was worried about at the time of battle?
7. What is the name of the “loud soldier”?
8. What is the name of the “tall soldier” who brought the rumor to the camp?
1.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how Crane seems to describe war as being glorious.

As you continue to read The Red Badge of Courage, notice the use of colors. What is the
significance of the different colors in the novel?
4 / The Red Badge of Courage
1.6 Bonus Thoughts

“Returning with his shield or returning on it”: This allusion refers to the benediction that
mothers of Spartan soldiers would give to their sons as they marched to war. The idea here
is that the Spartan soldier should either return in victory or return dead, because he gave his
utmost to win the battle. Therefore, in the context of Henry’s thoughts, the young soldier is
disappointed, because his mother fails to behave like a Spartan mother.
The Red Badge of Courage / 5
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
din v.
surly adj.
felicitate v.
impetus n.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The cannons _________ incessantly in that the soldiers were stunned by the deafening roar.
2. When we saw the bull charging toward us, we had the _____________ to run like rabbits
and climb a tree like a squirrel.
3. When Charlee graduated from high school, her many aunts and uncles not only _________
her for her success, but also gave her numerous gifts.
4. The gruff, old sergeant was a ___________ sort of fellow whose disposition was molded by
dozens of battles.
2.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 2–3
2.4 Recall Questions
1. Why does Henry get some assurance from Jim?
2. What was said by the horseman that made Henry wonder what the remark had to do with
war?
3. How are the two lines of marching soldiers described?
4. What small battle makes the regiment forget momentarily the larger battle to come?
5. As the soldiers moved towards the front, what were they doing in order to make the march
easier for them?
6. What were three ways that a new regiment could be distinguished from a veteran unit?
7. As Henry ran in formation with his regiment, what does he try to convince himself
concerning his enlisting in the army?
8. What does the shoes of the dead Confederate soldier betray in death that which he was able
to hide while living?
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9. In Henry’s imagination, what were the generals doing to the regiment?
10. Henry decides that the only way that “his profound and fine senses” would be appreciated is
by how?
11. Why does the loud soldier give Henry a small packet of personal things?
2.5 Critical Thinking

On page 17, what is “the Question”?

Describe the feelings of Henry as he approaches battle for the first time.
2.6 Bonus Thoughts

Organization of the Union Army: Before the War between the States, the army brigade
was the largest unit. However, so many troops were involved in the war that the
organization called the “army” was created. Each army was composed of several corps.
Each corps was composed of about three divisions. In each division were two to as many as
six brigades. Generally, three to five regiments made up a brigade, giving this fighting unit
a combat strength of nearly 3,000 men.

Organization of the Union Army Brigade: A division marched or fought by brigades.
Therefore, the brigade remained the main fighting unit for the Union Army during the War
between the States. In that the unit had it own quartermasters, cooks, medics, and artillery,
the brigade was for all practical purposes independent of the army to which it belonged. For
the most part, a brigadier general commanded the brigade; however, in some cases, a
colonel could be found to lead a smaller brigade. The troops drilled first as an effective
regiment and then as a fighting force at the brigade level. As foolhardy as it may seem,
many brigade commanders led their men into battle. But as a result of this “bravery,”
commanders of the brigades were replaced often due to the high number of casualties
among these daring leaders. The reason for the high casualties among officers and men was
due to the tactics of warfare during this period of time. The brigade approached the enemy
in straight lines, which of course caused high casualties from the artillery and the shooting
from concealed positions.
The Red Badge of Courage / 7
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
turbulent adj.
conventional adj.
awry adv.
querulous adj.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Linda’s little brother is such a _________________ tyke; he is always whining that he
never gets enough chocolate.
2. I should have known better that my wanting to become a doctor would go ___________,
because I could never get above-average grades in courses like Biology and Anatomy.
3. When the Smiths built a log cabin in our neighborhood, the neighbors raised a hue and cry
against the newcomers’ breaking the _____________ tradition of building only brick houses
along our street.
4. When Sandra learned that she was not admitted into the honor society, her ___________,
fiery personality erupted, which was manifested by her throwing things at the wall.
3.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 4–5
3.4 Recall Questions
1. Regarding the lieutenant, what caused the men in the company to laugh nervously?
2. What was the reason for the veteran troops jeering the soldiers in front of them?
3. While waiting to see the “composite monster,” Henry reflects about what during his
childhood?
4. As the Confederate soldiers made their attack, what anxiety did Henry have about his
weapon?
5. What are the effects of the atmosphere of war upon the soldier?
6. What was the lieutenant obliged to do for a young soldier who tried to run from the battle?
7. What does Henry notice about nature after the fighting was done?
8 / The Red Badge of Courage
3.5 Critical Thinking

Describe how Henry sees himself before and after the first battle is over.
3.6 Bonus Thoughts

Banshee: In Irish folklore, a banshee is a female spirit who gives a warning concerning the
impending death of someone in a family. Generally, this warning comes through a wailing.
The Red Badge of Courage / 9
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
resplendent adj.
shamble v.
regardant adj.
sardonic adj.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Everyone knew something was wrong when Jack ________________ up to the front of the
class; usually, this bright fellow was very energetic whenever he walked.
2. When they crossed the mountains, Christian and Hopeful saw the brilliance of the heavenly
city, more _____________________ than the sun itself.
3. After Polyphemus drank the offered wine, the Cyclops with a __________ laugh tells
Ulysses that his gift to the brave man would be his being eaten last.
4. As I walked down the unfamiliar street, I cast many a _______________ look behind me.
4.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 6-8
4.4 Recall Questions
1. After the charge was repulsed, what “supreme trial” did Henry think had passed away?
2. What caused Henry to leave the fighting and to run to safety?
3. While Henry was near a division general, what does he overhear the general say regarding
the battle?
4. What were the emotions that Henry felt receiving this intelligence?
5. By throwing a pine cone at a squirrel, what lesson did Henry think that nature teaches?
6. As Henry enters a “chapel” made of boughs of pine, what does he find against a tree?
7. When he hears the “crimson roar,” what does Henry do?
8. As Henry comes to a road, what group of soldiers does he meet?
9. What question does the tattered soldier ask Henry that makes the youth feel ashamed?
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4.5 Critical Thinking

Contrast Henry’s reaction toward the dead union soldier and toward the dead Confederate
soldier on page 17.
4.6 Bonus Thoughts

Mars, God of War: According to Roman mythology (of course, borrowed from the
Greeks), Mars is the god of war. Not surprisingly, Mars’ symbol is a spear and the god
occupied himself with battles and bloodshed. Even though he is the god of war, Mars is
portrayed as being a whiner and a coward. However, in the Odyssey, we learn that Mars and
Venus (the goddess of love) had a romantic attachment to each other, even though the
goddess was married to Vulcan. This connection between love and war seems to be a
recurring theme in a lot of literature. In fact, the Sumerian deity, Ishtar, was the goddess of
both love and war. Perhaps there is only a thin line between hate and love after all.

The Color Red: In The Red Badge of Courage, notice how often the color red appears in
connection with war and battle. The planet Mars undoubtedly was so-called because of the
its red appearance.
The Red Badge of Courage / 11
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
coax v.
rendezvous n.
philippic n.
malediction n.
5.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Tom and Jeff finally got the small calf into the pen after they ______________(ed) and
pushed the scared animal several minutes.
2. Instead of the customary benediction by the priest, the old clergyman pronounced a
____________________ upon the people, because they lacked a concern for helping the
victims of fire in the nearby community.
3. The ousted president of the small, oriental country delivered to the usurpers a ___________
that expressed his bitterness and outrage.
4. After the several boys divided up into teams, they all agreed that the point of ____________
would be in front of the old river mill.
5.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 9–11
5.4 Recall Questions
1. As Henry walks among the wounded soldiers, what does he wish he had that they all had?
2. Who turns out to be the spectral soldier?
3. What does the spectral soldier tell Henry that he is afraid of?
4. As the spectral soldier runs into the brush, who follows him.
5. At what does Henry shake his fist?
6. After Jim dies, what is the tattered soldier’s attitude.
7. What subject does the tattered soldier bring up that makes Henry angry?
8. What does Henry wish to do to the tattered soldier?
9. As Henry approaches the line of battle again, what gave him “an amount of pleasure”?
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10. If the Union troops lost the battle, what did this prove according to Henry?
11. When Henry decides to return to his regiment, what did he try to invent?
5.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how the tattered soldier opens the wound of Henry’s conscience.

Describe the three objections that Henry had before he returned to the battle, and how he
dealt with these objections.
The Red Badge of Courage / 13
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Six
6.1 Vocabulary
lurid adj.
fishwife n.
ruck n.
souse v.
6.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. After cutting the grass, Tim went into the house and placed a wet towel, which he
_______________ with cold water, over his head.
2. Jamie seemed to take great delight in giving the ________________ details of the crime; to
us, the murder was just ghastly.
3. The _____________ who attended the meeting seemed to be composed of average, ordinary
people whom you would meet on any busy sidewalk.
4. Because of her abusive language and constant nagging, Dame Van Winkle is the perfect
example of a ____________________.
6.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 12–13
6.4 Recall Questions
1. As Henry reaches the front lines, what did he notice about the troops?
2. What happens to Henry as he tries to retain a soldier in order to question him?
3. How is Henry able to get back to his regiment?
4. After the cheerful soldier leaves him, what does Henry realize about the soldier?
5. What does Henry tell Wilson regarding his wound?
6. When the corporal examined Henry’s wound, what did he say the wound looked like?
7. Instead of ridicule, how was Henry treated as he returned to camp?
6.5 Critical Thinking

Explain the lesson learned from the last remarks of Jack compared to Proverbs 21:23.

Explain the irony in Henry’s statement regarding his wound: “Yes, it hurts—hurts a good
deal.”
14 / The Red Badge of Courage
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Seven
7.1 Vocabulary
gaunt adj.
charnel adj.
petulant adj.
lugubrious adj.
7.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. While exploring some caves, we discovered a _______________ place that clearly was the
resting place of the inhabitants’ dead. Among the many ledges were numerous bones.
2. The Indians who emerged from the forest looked _______________ and haggard due to
their failure to find sufficient game during the journey.
3. The various relatives were only interested in the will of the recently deceased uncle;
however, they put on a ___________________ act complete with tears and wailing.
4. My ________________ brother is never satisfied. First he tells me that he wants to play on
my team, and now he wants to trade sides, because we are losing the game.
7.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapter 14–16
7.4 Recall Questions
1. As Henry awakes from his sleep, he seemed to think that he was in what?
2. Henry notices that Wilson has changed. What was the primary change with Wilson.
3. As three soldiers were about to fight each other, who became the peacemaker?
4. In that many of the soldiers were missing but now were returning to the regiment, what do
you suspect was the reason for their being missing?
5. What did Henry remember that he had that belonged to Wilson, which now he could use as
a weapon against Wilson?
6. According to Henry, what was the difference between his fleeing the battle and the soldiers
that he saw fleeing?
7. Upon whom does Henry blame the conduct of the battle?
8. What does the lieutenant mean when he stated that there was “too much chin music . . . in
this war”?
The Red Badge of Courage / 15
7.5 Critical Thinking

Do you agree with Henry’s belief that his weakness was done in the dark and that no one
discovered his secret, and therefore he was still a man? Is the measure of a man based on
whether he is free of sin? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast the changes between Henry and Wilson after the first day of battle.

Support the following statement with evidence from today’s reading: “Sin makes a person a
coward.”
16 / The Red Badge of Courage
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Eight
8.1 Vocabulary
respite n.
restive adj.
gesticulate v.
fume v.
8.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. When Teresa was unable to find her diary; she ____________(d) at her brothers, being
certain that they had taken the personal journal about her life.
2. Mr. Kohn is an excellent speaker who relates many interesting stories; however, I wish he
would control his hands, since Mr. Kohn _____________(d) too much, and the movements
are distracting.
3. Since the central regime has been slow to abolish the wage and price controls, the citizens
have become increasingly ____________________ and have shown signs of growing
impatience.
4. Henry and his comrades were able to enjoy a _____________________ during the fighting;
most of the men took advantage of the lull by sleeping.
8.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 17–19
8.4 Recall Questions
1. As the Confederate army attacks the Union position, what emotion does Henry feel towards
the “enemy”?
2. What did Henry defend against the whole world?
3. What was the result of Henry and Wilson going in search of water?
4. While trying to find water, Henry and Wilson heard an officer say their regiment fought like
what?
5. What was the regiment ordered to do?
6. After the momentum of the charge slowed down, what action was taken by Wilson to get
the troops to advance further?
7. Who led the final charge?
8.5 Critical Thinking
The Red Badge of Courage / 17

In today’s reading, Henry directs his anger from the entire universe to the Confederates.
How does war and battle stop being an abstraction and becomes more personal for Henry?

In that the officer stated he could “spare” the 304th, he implied that if he lost this regiment,
the army would not suffer much of a loss. In your opinion, should commanding officers be
more concerned about the individual soldier, or is it the nature of war that soldiers must be
considered faceless parts of a war machine? Give reasons for your answer.
8.6 Bonus Thoughts

“The other swore at his restive horse.” The word restive is not used as a general synonym
for impatience, like restless. Implied with restive is the idea of some kind of coercion or
restriction. Restive comes from the Latin word restare, meaning “to keep back.”
18 / The Red Badge of Courage
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Nine
9.1 Vocabulary
sward n.
tableau n.
ragamuffin n.
taunt adj.
9.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Mr. Jamison’s land is located in the beautiful foothills. The home is like an English manor
house among orchards and _________________ of rolling meadows.
2. Walking alone in the dark woods, the young boy thought every strange sound mocked and
________________ him as he became more lost with every passing minute.
3. While Frank offered his ________________ of his visit to Paris, France, we were caught up
into the vivid description of the sights and envisioned our being there ourselves.
4. Sally pitied the ________________(s) that she saw on the streets of India; whenever she
could, the kind tourist gave pennies to the small, neglected children.
9.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 20–21
9.4 Recall Questions
1. When the troops realized that they seemed to have gone against an unconquerable foe, what
feeling did they have?
2. As the lieutenant stood using his sword as a cane, what surprised Henry about the officer?
3. As the regiment returned to Union line, what greetings did the soldiers get from another
regiment?
4. After returning to the position from which the regiment started, what discovery does Henry
make regarding the charge?
5. What was the subject of the colonel’s discussion with the lieutenant?
9.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how Henry now shifts his hatred from the enemy to Union officers and soldiers.
What creates this shift?

Explain how the following simile is appropriate: “The officers labored like politicians to
beat the mass into a proper circle to face the menaces.”
9.6 Bonus Thoughts
The Red Badge of Courage / 19

Ragamuffin: This word has an interesting origin. In the English allegorical poem, Piers
Plowman, “Ragamuffin” is the name of a devil. However, as early as the fourteenth century,
“Ragamuffyn” was used as a last name. The sense of the word means a “tattered oaf.”
Interestingly, the Middle English adjective raggi means “ragged” and often was used to
describe and to name the devil. Many scholars think that muffin comes for the Middle Dutch
moffel, which means “mitten.” Ragamuffin over the centuries has come to mean literally an
“unkempt child or man.” However, today the word is often used as a term of endearment for
children who are even clean and well-mannered.

“Ragamuffin interest”: While no one can really criticize Crane for poor writing, this
expression found in chapter 21 can be criticized. Ragamuffin is not an adjective, but a noun.
Seldom, if ever, do you want to modify a noun with another noun. In that ragamuffin has no
adjectival form, you will need to edit the expression by creating a prepositional phrase.
Thus, “the interest of a ragamuffin” is better.

Dramatic Monologue: While the dramatic monologue is more precisely a type of poem, at
the end of chapter 21, you find a good example of a speech that has some of the elements
found in the dramatic monologue. The monologue will have only one speaker, but from the
monologue, the reader is aware that listeners are present. Notice how Thompson defends his
information and even tells a comrade that if he can tell the story better then he should do so.
However, this speech is not a pure dramatic monologue (other than the speech is not a
poem), because the monologue should focus on the personality and temperament of the
speaker who unwittingly reveals too much about himself during the speech. The poet who
perfected the dramatic monologue was Robert Browning.
20 / The Red Badge of Courage
The Red Badge of Courage
Lesson Ten
10.1 Vocabulary
frowzy adj.
perfunctory adj.
stentorian adj.
sultry adj.
10.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The weakness of mass production is that workers tend to become bored easily with
repetitive tasks and will begin to perform their work with _______________ interest.
2. The frightened child hid under the covers because of the ______________ thunderings of
the storm outside.
3. The professor always came to class with _________________ shirts, which appeared as
though he slept in them.
4. In addition to the exertion from playing football, Philip thought the game much more
_________________, since the temperature outside was nearly 95 degrees.
10.3 Reading Assignment: The Red Badge of Courage, chapters 22–24
10.4 Recall Questions
1. While Henry rested behind the lines, what was he able to observe?
2. What position does some Confederate soldiers take that was close to Henry’s regiment?
3. What order does the colonel give the regiment?
4. Was the charge of the soldiers prompted by courage or by insanity?
5. What did the Confederate troops do as the regiment came closer to the fence?
6. What was Henry’s goal in this conflict?
7. How many prisoners did the regiment take as a result of the fight at the fence?
8. Who captured the colors of the Confederate soldiers?
9. What was the “vision of cruelty” that haunted Henry?
The Red Badge of Courage / 21
10.5 Critical Thinking

What motivates Henry to charge the enemy? Was this motivation prompted by courage or
by some other emotion such as fear, pride, or shame? Use the text to support your answer.

Explain the nature of courage. What examples of courage do you find in the Bible?

In the case of war, are soldiers ever motivated by courage? Why or why not?
10.6 Bonus Thoughts

Stentor: The word stentorian comes from the name of Stentor who was renown for his loud
voice. In Homer’s Iliad, we find this allusion to Stentor in Book V: “When they came to the
part where the bravest and most in number were gathered about mighty Diomed, fighting
like lions or wild boars of great strength and endurance, there Juno stood still and raised a
shout like that of brazen-voiced Stentor, whose cry was as loud as that of fifty men
together.”
22 / The Red Badge of Courage
Glossary for The Red Badge of Courage
affront (…-fr¾nt“) n. An open or intentional offense, slight, or insult
awry (…-rº“) adv. In a position that is turned or twisted toward one side; askew; away from the
correct course; amiss
brindled (br¹n“dld) adj. Tawny or grayish with streaks or spots of a darker color
charnel (chär“n…l) adj. Suggesting, or suitable for receiving the dead
coax (k½ks) v. To persuade by pleading or flattery; cajole; to obtain by persistent persuasion
conventional (k…n-vμn“sh…-n…l) adj. Based on general agreement, use, or practice; customary;
conforming to established practice or accepted standards; traditional; unimaginative;
conformist
din (d¹n) v. To stun with deafening noise; to instill by wearying repetition
felicitate (f¹-l¹s“¹-t³t”) v. To offer congratulations to
fishwife (f¹sh“wºf”) n. A woman regarded as coarse and shrewishly abusive
frowzy (frou“z¶) adj. Unkempt; slovenly; having an unpleasant smell; musty
fume (fy›m) v. To subject to or treat with fumes; to feel or show resentment or vexation
gaunt (gônt) adj. Thin and bony; emaciated and haggard
gesticulate (jμ-st¹k“y…-l³t”) v. To make gestures especially while speaking, as for emphasis
impetus (¹m“p¹-t…s) n.An impelling force; an impulse; a stimulus
lugubrious (l‹-g›“br¶-…s) adj. Mournful and gloomy, especially to a ludicrous degree
lurid (l‹r“¹d) adj. Causing shock or horror; gruesome; marked by sensationalism; glowing or
shining with the glare of fire through a haze
malediction (m²l”¹-d¹k“sh…n) n. The calling down of a curse; slander
perfunctory (p…r-f¾ngk“t…-r¶) adj. Done routinely and with little interest or care; acting with
indifference; showing little interest or care
petulant (pμch“…-l…nt) adj. Unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish; contemptuous in
speech or behavior
philippic (f¹-l¹p“¹k) n. A verbal denunciation characterized by harsh, often insulting language; a
tirade
purl (pûrl) v. To flow or ripple with a murmuring sound
querulous (kwμr“…-l…s) adj. Given to complaining; expressing a complaint or grievance;
grumbling
ragamuffin (r²g“…-m¾f”¹n) n. A shabbily clothed, dirty child
regardant (r¹-gär“dnt) adj.Looking backward in profile
rendezvous (rän“d³-v›”) n.A meeting at a prearranged time and place, especially an assembly
point for troops or ships; a popular gathering place
respite (rμs“p¹t) n. A usually short interval of rest or relief
resplendent (r¹-splμn“d…nt) adj. Splendid or dazzling in appearance; brilliant
restive (rμs“t¹v) adj. Uneasily impatient under restriction, opposition, criticism, or delay;
resisting control; difficult to control
ruck (r¾k) n. A multitude; a throng; the undistinguished crowd or ordinary run of persons or
things; people who are followers, not leaders
sardonic (sär-d¼n“¹k) adj. Scornfully or cynically mocking
shamble (sh²m“b…l) v. To walk in a lazy or unsteady manner, shuffling the feet
souse (sous) v. To plunge into a liquid; to make soaking wet; drench
The Red Badge of Courage / 23
stentorian (stμn-tôr“¶-…n) adj. Extremely loud
sultry (s¾l“tr¶) adj. Very humid and hot; extremely hot; torrid
surly (sûr“l¶) adj. Sullenly ill-humored; gruff
sward (swôrd) Land covered with grassy turf; a lawn or meadow
tableau (t²b“l½”) n.A vivid or graphic description; a striking incidental scene; an interlude
during a scene when all the performers on stage freeze in position and then resume action as
before
taunt (tônt) v. To reproach in a mocking, insulting, or contemptuous way
turbulent (tûr“by…-l…nt) adj. Violently agitated or disturbed; having a chaotic or restless
character or tendency; causing unrest or disturbance; unruly
vivacious (v¹-v³“sh…s) adj. Full of animation and spirit; lively
24 / The Red Badge of Courage
The Red Badge of Courage (Lessons 1–5)
Vocabulary Quiz #1
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. affront
D. coax
G.felicitate
J. philippic
M. regardant
P. sardonic
S. turbulent
1. _____
2. _____
3. _____
4. _____
5. _____
6. _____
7. _____
8. _____
9. _____
10. _____
11. _____
12. _____
13. _____
14. _____
15. _____
16. _____
17. _____
18. _____
19. _____
20. _____
B. awry
E. conventional
H. impetus
K. purl
N. rendezvous
Q. shamble
T. vivacious
C. brindled
F. din
I. malediction
L. querulous
O. resplendent
R. surly
to flow or ripple with a murmuring sound
to stun with deafening noise
given to complaining; grumbling
a meeting at a prearranged time and place
based on general agreement, use, or practice; customary
to persuade by pleading or flattery; cajole
scornfully or cynically mocking
violently agitated or disturbed; causing unrest or disturbance
to offer congratulations to
grayish with streaks or spots of a darker color
an impelling force; an impulse
full of animation and spirit; lively
an open or intentional offense or insult
a verbal denunciation characterized by harsh, insulting words
looking backward in profile
splendid or dazzling in appearance; brilliant
the calling down of a curse; slander
sullenly ill-humored; gruff
in a position that is turned or twisted toward one side; amiss
to walk in a lazy or unsteady manner; shuffling the feet
The Red Badge of Courage (Lessons 6–10)
Vocabulary Quiz #2
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. charnel
D. fume
G.lugubrious
J. petulant
M. restive
P. stentorian
S. tableau
B. fishwife
E. gaunt
H. lurid
K. ragamuffin
N. ruck
Q. sultry
T. taunt
C. frowzy
F. gesticulate
I. perfunctory
L. respite
O. souse
R. sward
1. _____ to make gestures especially while speaking
2. _____ a multitude of followers, not leaders
3. _____ unkempt; slovenly; musty
4. _____ done routinely and with little interest or care
5. _____ extremely loud
6. _____ to subject to or treat with fumes; to feel or show resentment
7. _____ resisting control; difficult to control
8. _____ a woman regarded as coarse and abusive; a shrew
9. _____ causing shock or horror, gruesome
10. _____ a shabbily clothed, dirty child
11. _____ a usually short interval of rest or relief
12. _____ thin and bony; haggard
13. _____ unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish
14. _____ suggesting, or suitable for receiving the dead
15. _____ to reproach in a mocking, insulting, or contemptuous way
16. _____ to plunge into a liquid; drench
17. _____ mournful and gloomy, especially to a ludicrous degree
18. _____ very humid and hot; torrid
19. _____ land covered with grassy turf; a lawn or meadow
20. _____ a striking incidental scene
Answer Keys to The Red Badge of Courage
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. brindled
2. purled
3. vivacious
4. affront
Lesson 1
1. The army was moving out the next day.
2. He went to his tent to think.
3. Henry’s mother opposed the enlistment.
4. Henry’s mother gave him a jar of blackberry jam.
5. The daily routine was monotonous.
6. Henry was worried that he may run away from the battle.
7. The soldier’s name is Wilson.
8. The soldier’s name is Jim Conklin.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. dinned
2. impetus
3. felicitated
4. surly
Lesson 2
1. Jim offered a serene unconcern about the upcoming battles. This attitude gave Henry some
confidence.
2. “Don’t forget that box of cigars.”
3. The soldiers are described as long serpents.
4. The soldiers enjoyed watching a young girl keep her horse from being stolen by a fat
soldier.
5. The soldiers were getting rid of their knapsacks and heavy shirts.
6. The new regiments were larger, the hats were generally the same, and the letters on the
colors (flag) were new and bright.
7. Henry believed that he never wanted to enlist and that the government forced him to join
the army.
8. Death revealed his poverty.
9. The generals were leading the regiment into a trap to be slaughtered.
10. Henry would need to die.
11. The loud soldier seemed to foresee his death in the first battle.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. querulous
2. awry
3. conventional
4. turbulent
1
Lesson 3
1. The lieutenant swore “wondrously” after being wounded in his hand.
2. The troops were running away from the fight.
3. He thought about the arrival of the circus.
4. Henry could not remember whether he had loaded the weapon or not.
5. The effects are a blistering sweat, the eyes feel like they are going to crack, and a burning
roar that fills the ears.
6. The lieutenant had to help the soldier reload his weapon.
7. Henry was astonished that nature went on peacefully amid the conflict.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4
1. shambled
2. resplendent
3. sardonic
4. regardant
Lesson 4
1. The trial was Henry’s fear that he would run from battle.
2. Henry saw others beginning to run, so he too began to run.
3. He heard that the lines held and that the confederate attack had failed.
4. Henry felt betrayal, amazement, and anger.
5. When danger is eminent, brute creatures have the sense to run from danger like Henry did.
6. The body of a dead union soldier.
7. Henry begins to run toward the sound of battle.
8. The soldiers were wounded who were heading to the read of the lines.
9. The tattered soldier asks where Henry was wounded.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 5
1. coaxed
2. malediction
3. philippic
4. rendezvous
Lesson 5
1. He wants a wound, or a red badge of courage.
2. The soldier is Jim Conklin.
3. Jim is afraid that he will fall and an artillery wagon will run over him.
4. Jim is followed by the tattered soldier and Henry.
5. Henry shakes his fist at the battlefield.
6. Since Jim is dead, it is time to look out for number one (himself).
7. The soldier brings up the subject of Henry’s wound.
8. Henry wants to kill him.
9. Henry saw part of the army retreating quickly.
10. The defeat would prove that Henry was a prophet and that he showed superior wisdom to
2
run away from the battle.
11. Henry tried to make up a tale that explained why he was missing.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 6
1. soused
2. lurid
3. ruck
4. fishwife
Lesson 6
1. The soldiers were fleeing from the battle like terrified buffaloes.
2. The fleeing soldier hits Henry on the head with his weapon.
3. Henry is befriended by a cheerful soldier who helps him.
4. Henry never saw the soldier’s face.
5. Henry tells Wilson that he was shot.
6. He stated that the wound looked like someone hit Henry with a club.
7. Henry was treated with kindness and respect.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 7
1. charnel
2. gaunt
3. lugubrious
4. petulant
Lesson 7
1. Henry thought that the place looked like a charnel house.
2. Wilson was not irritated by comments directed against him.
3. Wilson was able to stop the argument before a fight began.
4. Apparently, the soldiers ran away from the battle like Henry did.
5. Henry had the packet that Wilson gave to him before the battle.
6. Henry fled with discretion and dignity; the others fled with terror.
7. Henry blames the generals.
8. There was plenty of talking and complaining, but not enough actual fighting.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 8
1. fumed
2. gesticulates
3. restive
4. respite
Lesson 8
1. Henry felt hatred towards the enemy soldiers.
2. He defended a small tree where he took his position.
3. Henry and Wilson did not find any water.
4. The regiment fought like a bunch of mule drivers.
5. The regiment was to charge the confederate position.
3
6. The soldier fired his weapon at the enemy line.
7. The lieutenant, Wilson, and Henry lead the final charge.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 9
1. sward
2. taunted
3. tableau
4. ragamuffins
Lesson 9
1. The soldiers had the feeling of betrayal.
2. Henry wondered why the lieutenant was not speaking.
3. The soldiers received sarcastic remarks and ridicule.
4. The distance was not that far and the whole affair was trivial.
5. The subject was about the good conduct of Wilson and Henry.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 10
1. perfunctory
2. stentorian
3. frowzy
4. sultry
Lesson 10
1. Henry was able to see several battles take place.
2. They successfully gained a foothold behind a wandering fence.
3. The regiment must charge the confederate position.
4. The soldiers moved forward in an “insane fever.”
5. The many of the confederate soldiers abandoned the fence and went back to their own lines;
however, one small group remained to fight the regiment.
6. Henry wanted to capture the enemy’s colors (flag).
7. The regiment captured four prisoners.
8. Wilson captured the colors.
9. The cruelty was his abandoning the tattered soldier in the fields to die.
4
Red Badge of
Courage
Quiz #1
1. K
2. F
3. L
4. N
5. E
6. D
7. P
8. S
9. G
10. B
11. H
12. T
13. A
14. J
15. M
16. O
17. I
18. R
19. B
20. Q
5
Red Badge of
Courage
Quiz #2
1. F
2. N
3. C
4. I
5. P
6. D
7. M
8. B
9. H
10. K
11. L
12. E
13. J
14. A
15. T
16. O
17. G
18. Q
19. R
20. S
6