An Episode of War Questions and Answers
An Episode of War
Lieutenant's Injury and Reaction in "An Episode of War"
In Stephen Crane's "An Episode of War," the lieutenant is unexpectedly shot in the arm while distributing coffee, an act far removed from the battlefield. Initially shocked and calm, he gradually...
An Episode of War
What is the external conflict in "An Episode of War"?
The external conflict in Crane's "An Episode of War" involves the war itself and the fighting taking place between the Union and Confederacy. But it also can be said to relate to the disconnect...
An Episode of War
Why does Crane keep the lieutenant nameless in "An Episode of War"? Does it affect the story's emotional impact?
Stephen Crane keeps the lieutenant nameless in "An Episode of War" to emphasize the dehumanization and randomness of war casualties. This anonymity highlights how soldiers are often treated as...
An Episode of War
Why is "An Episode of War" considered naturalistic?
"An Episode of War" is considered naturalistic because it portrays nature's indifference to human hopes and destiny. The story, set during the Civil War, depicts an officer's injury and subsequent...
An Episode of War
Analysis of Stephen Crane's "An Episode of War."
Stephen Crane's "An Episode of War" is a stark depiction of the randomness and brutality of war. The story follows a lieutenant who is wounded while performing a mundane task, highlighting the...
An Episode of War
What is the social context of An Episode of War?
The social context of "An Episode of War" reflects the class dynamics of the U.S. Civil War, where enlisted men were largely from working-class backgrounds, often joining the army out of duty or a...
An Episode of War
What tone is created by words like "maniacal," "furious," and "quivering" in lines 55-59?
The words "maniacal," "furious," and "quivering" create a tone of chaos and panic as the soldiers face an unexpected attack. These terms convey the frantic and unstable situation as the lieutenant is...
An Episode of War
Why do the lieutenant's comrades "look at him with large eyes thoughtfully" but will not touch him in "An Episode of...
The lieutenant's comrades in "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane look at him with "large eyes thoughtfully" but do not touch him due to the shock and symbolic nature of his injury. His wound...
An Episode of War
What is ironic about the doctor's reaction to the lieutenant's wound in "An Episode of War"?
The irony in the doctor's reaction lies in his dismissive attitude towards the lieutenant's serious wound, treating it as trivial and scolding him as if he were a child. Despite the lieutenant's calm...
An Episode of War
Tragic and Unsettling Aspects of "An Episode of War"
The tragic and unsettling aspects of "An Episode of War" include the randomness of violence and the helplessness of the protagonist. The lieutenant's sudden injury by a stray bullet and the...
An Episode of War
What three details does Crane use to describe the field hospital in "An Episode of War"?
In "An Episode of War," Crane describes the field hospital as being comprised of low white tents which are "grouped around an old school-house." He also says that there is a "singular commotion"...
An Episode of War
What can be inferred about the lieutenant from the way he divides up the coffee?
There are several different answers that can complete the sentence. One such approach would be that "Based on the description of the lieutenant dividing up the coffee, you can best make the...
An Episode of War
What contrasting elements are used in "An Episode of War"?
"An Episode of War" uses contrasting elements to highlight the absurdity and impact of war. Stephen Crane employs ironic contrast, such as the lieutenant's trivial task of dividing coffee supplies...
An Episode of War
Identify three descriptions of human action in "An Episode of War" that reflect Naturalist ideas?
The story reflects Naturalist ideas through descriptions of human action, such as the Lieutenant's helplessness amid the war's savagery, likening humans to animals overwhelmed by nature. His futile...
An Episode of War
What do three examples from "An Episode of War" suggest about how the uninjured see the lieutenant?
The uninjured in "An Episode of War" view the wounded lieutenant with a sense of detachment and discomfort. His injury isolates him, as soldiers avoid close contact, fearing a metaphorical contagion....
An Episode of War
Which incident in "An Episode of War" shows the naturalists' use of irony?
The irony in "An Episode of War" is illustrated through the unexpected wounding of the officer while rationing coffee rather than in battle, highlighting the indifferent nature of the environment....
An Episode of War
How might the mood, events, or outcome differ in "An Episode of War" if written by a romantic writer?
If "An Episode of War" were written by a Romantic writer, the mood, events, or outcome might emphasize the personal and emotional journey of the lieutenant, highlighting his inner thoughts and...
An Episode of War
What is the lieutenant's reaction when a soldier offers him help in "An Episode of War"?
The lieutenant's reaction to a soldier offering help is marked by confusion and emotional ambiguity. He feels a need to display strength despite his helplessness, resulting in an unclear response....
An Episode of War
How does "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane compare to Romanticism?
"An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane contrasts with Romanticism by emphasizing Realism. Unlike Romanticism, which often idealizes war through heroism and bravery, Crane's story presents the harsh...
An Episode of War
What are some examples of impressionism in "An Episode of War"?
"An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane employs impressionism to depict the chaos and impotence of war. Through vivid sensory details, Crane captures the lieutenant's shock and confusion after being...
An Episode of War
What societal advantage is there in Crane's frank descriptions in An Episode of War?
Stephen Crane's frank descriptions in "An Episode of War" offer a societal advantage by presenting a realistic depiction of war, countering the often glorified narratives of heroism. By portraying...
An Episode of War
What is a "rubber blanket" in Stephen Crane's "An Episode of War"?
In Stephen Crane's "An Episode of War," a "rubber blanket" refers to a large sheet used to keep individuals dry by spreading it on the wet ground. While the material might not have been actual...
An Episode of War
In "An Episode of War," what treatment does the doctor give to the lieutenant's wounded arm?
In "An Episode of War," the doctor amputates the lieutenant's arm.
An Episode of War
What does the surgeon's rough manner infer in "An Episode of War"?
From the surgeon’s rough manner in "An Episode of War," it may be inferred that he is very busy and resents having to treat another patient, that he does not think the lieutenant is seriously...
An Episode of War
How does the "war chorus" metaphor affect paragraph 12 of "An Episode of War"?
The "war chorus" metaphor in paragraph 12 of "An Episode of War" emphasizes the detachment and overwhelming nature of the battle as experienced by ordinary soldiers. Like a Greek tragedy chorus, it...
An Episode of War
How does the rhythm of the last two sentences in paragraph 8 and 9 reflect the content?
The rhythm of the sentences in paragraphs 8 and 9 of "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane reflects the lieutenant's shock and the men's disbelief. The slow, hesitant rhythm as he stares at the forest...
An Episode of War
How does the lieutenant's injury in An Episode of War reflect the Naturalist idea of people being victims of chance?
The lieutenant's injury occurs during a mundane task—rationing coffee—highlighting the Naturalist theme that people are victims of chance. This ordinary action leads to a life-altering injury,...
An Episode of War
What two details show the lieutenant's quiet endurance typical of Naturalist characters in An Episode of War?
The lieutenant's quiet endurance is demonstrated when he traverses the battlefield despite his injury, showing resilience amid the horrors of war. This reflects the Naturalist view of individuals...
An Episode of War
How many lives were claimed by the civil war in the story "An Episode of War"?
The story "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane focuses on the individual experience of a lieutenant wounded in the American Civil War, highlighting the personal horrors of war rather than presenting...
An Episode of War
In "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane, what do the failed gestures of kindness towards the lieutenant imply about...
The Naturalist idea present in "An Episode of War" by Stephen Crane is that even the most basic concepts of human kindness are incapable of helping people when reality is shown to be destructive and...
An Episode of War
How are the corporals and men described in the first paragraph of "An Episode of War"?
In the first paragraph, the corporals and men are described as "grimy and hot-throated," suggesting they are dirty and possibly loud or unruly. This description implies a contrast with the...