"It is only through immersion in the flow of experience that a person becomes disciplined and develops character, conscience, or soul," remarked R.W. Stallman in his introduction to The Red Badge of Courage. The battlefield represents the peak of life's intensity, offering the greatest potential for transformation. "From the beginning, Henry acknowledges the need for change but resists it. However, one must lose their soul to save it. The youth evolves into the veteran," Stallman noted.

The book can be understood as the coming-of-age story of Henry Fleming, illustrating his journey from an innocent boy to a mature man. Novels that depict the growth of a young character into a more aware adult are often categorized as bildungsromans. Henry confronts a harsh environment and is deeply impacted by the horror of the forest-chapel, where he encounters a decaying corpse. He is also affected by the tragic death of Jim Conklin and the enduring suffering of "the tattered man."

Initially motivated by a naive sense of patriotism and heroism to join the army, Henry quickly becomes disenchanted with the reality of a soldier's life. Ultimately, he gains self-assurance and a clearer perception of reality.