The Theme of Manhood in "The Red Badge of Courage" by Stephen Crane

Manhood is hard to describe and even harder to achieve. In Stephen Crane's book the theme of not only manhood, but also maturity is spread throughout the novel. The story's protagonist Henry Fleming becomes a man through the course of the book. Two other characters have great influence on the theme of manhood; they are examples to Henry while he fights his battles with the confederates as well as himself.
The first instrumental man is a fellow solider named Jim Conklin. He is injured in their first engagement with the Confederates. He soon dies from his battle wounds, or his red badge's of courage. Jim shows courage and maturity by fighting and dying for the purpose he believes in. Conklin doesn't verbally teach Henry much, but he is a great symbol of true manhood to Henry. In the earlier parts of the book Henry is a scared little boy who hasn't grown into his body yet. …