The Red Badge of Courage

As Henry approaches the fire, he once again considers his retreat and worries about the reception he’ll receive. Starving and wounded, he takes his chances with the regiment. Sleeping men surround the fire.

Henry is halted by a patrolling guard but soon recognizes him as an old friend, the “loud soldier” known as Wilson. Wilson is happy to see Henry, having once given him up for dead. Henry, in his exhaustion, quickly invents a story about getting separated from the regiment and getting shot. A corporal named Simpson takes charge of Henry’s care, exclaiming that many men thought lost have been returning throughout the night. In caring for Henry’s head, Simpson interprets his head wound as a bullet grazing, “just as if some feller had lammed yeh on th’ head with a club” (61). He leaves him to rest near the fire, telling him that he’ll be fine, if a little worse for wear in the morning.

Henry notes his surroundings and sees exhausted soldiers everywhere. Again, feelings of alienation sweep over Henry, until Wilson returns to dress his wound and feed him. Henry protests when he realizes that Wilson is giving up his own bedding for Henry. Comforted and exhausted, Henry sleeps without further protestation.