Why is 'The Red Badge of Courage' an anti-war novel?

The Red Badge of Courage As Anti-War Novel Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage is an anti-war novel meant to oppose the romantic and patriotic notions which many people---especially young men like the protagonist of the book---have about war. read more

Because Crane dispensed with the pleasant veneer and exposed the brutalities of combat, The Red Badge of Courage is sometimes known as the first American anti-war novel. This didn’t go over so well with the critics, at least in America. read more

This landmark novel bucked the previous trend of glorifying wars and the portrayal of soldiers as men of no fear. The protagonist of this book ‘Henry Fleming’ is a young soldier who enlists in the army. read more