Courage and Cowardice

Where it surfaces

• I

  Henry's central internal conflict: he fears he might run from battle and questions his own bravery.

• II

  Henry's obsessive self-examination and fear of running away highlight the central conflict between courage and cowardice.

• III

  Henry struggles with his own fear, feeling like a 'babe' and contemplating desertion, while trying to appear composed.

• IV

  The youth grapples with his own potential cowardice as he watches others flee, contemplating whether he would run better than them.

• Chapter V

  Henry's initial rage and automatic fighting contrast with the fleeing soldier's cowardice, exploring the spectrum of behavior under fire.

• VI

  Henry's initial flight and subsequent self-congratulation highlight the tension between cowardice and perceived courage, as he later faces renewed fear.

• VII

  Henry grapples with his own cowardice, attempting to reframe his flight as a rational act while feeling shame and anger toward those who stayed and fought.

• VIII

  Henry's internal conflict is highlighted as he runs toward the battle while knowing he had fled from it, and his panic at being asked about his wound reveals his shame.

• Chapter XI

  Henry's internal struggle between his desire to be heroic and his fear of death and shame exemplifies the central conflict of courage versus cowardice.

• XII

  Henry witnesses the terror of fleeing soldiers and is himself struck down, blurring the line between bravery and panic.

• XV

  Henry reinterprets his flight as dignified and feels scorn for others who ran, reflecting his shifting perception of courage.

• XVI

  Henry's loud denunciations of the generals mask his inner guilt and fear; his bravado collapses when challenged, revealing his struggle with genuine courage.

• XVII

  Henry's transformation from a fleeing soldier to a ferocious fighter challenges simple definitions of courage, as his rage-driven actions are both heroic and beastly.

• XVIII

  Henry and Wilson face the prospect of a deadly charge, grappling with their own fear and the ironic secret of their regiment's low standing.

• XIX

  Henry runs forward in a frenzy, but later hesitates and questions the assault; the lieutenant's rage and the men's faltering highlight the thin line between bravery and fear.

• XX

  Henry struggles with his own courage as the regiment retreats, feeling shame and rage, yet later finds renewed pride after the enemy withdraws.

• XXI

  Henry and Wilson grapple with external judgment of their courage, but ultimately receive validation for their bravery in the charge.

• XXII

  Henry's serene confidence and resolve to die on the field contrast with his earlier fears, exploring the nature of courage.

• XXIII

  Henry displays reckless courage during the charge, contrasting with his earlier fears.