Home > The Red Badge of Courage Summary & Study Guide > The Red Badge of Courage Group > Question and Answer

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   dymatsuoka

   eNotes Editor

   One of the solidiers attempts to steal a horse from a civilian.

   Soon after the regiment begins its march to parts unknown, the mood of the men changes.  Happy to be moving at last, the men are in high spirits, and "blithe and merry speeches...(go) from rank to rank".  Henry observes that the men seem to have forgotten their mission; "whole brigades (grin) in unison, and regiments (laugh)".  In the atmosphere of giddy exuberance, "a rather fat soldier (attempts) to pilfer a horse from a dooryard...(he plans) to load his knapsack upon it".  A young girl rushes out of the house grabs the animal's mane, and a scuffle ensues.  The young girl, "with pink cheeks and shining eyes", is obdurate in her defense of the horse; she hangs on "like a dauntless statue.  The regiment, amused, whoops by the side of the road, entering the confrontation verbally "whole-souled upon the side of the maiden".  When the fat soldier finally retreats without the horse, "loud and vociferous congratulations (are) showered upon the maiden, who (stands) panting and regarding the troops with defiance" (Part 1, Chapter 2).

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/red-badge

   http://www.enotes.com/red-badge/summary

   http://www.enotes.com/red-badge/themes

   Rate answer:

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by dymatsuoka on Tuesday March 17, 2009 at 8:55 AM