the red badge of courage - · pdf fileprotagonist of the red badge of courage is henry ......

~ A Novel Study ~

The Red BadgeOf Courage

By Stephen Crane

A Novel StudyBy Nat Reed

The Red Badge of CourageBy Stephen Crane

Table of Contents

Suggestions and Expectations ..…………………………….…..……… 3

List of Skills ….……………………………….…………………………… 4

Synopsis / Author Biography …..……………………………………… 5

Student Checklist ………………………………………………………… 6

Reproducible Student Booklet ..………………………………………… 7

Answer Key ...……………………………………………………………… 62

About the author: Nat Reed has been a member of the teaching profession for more than 30 years. He is presently a full-time instructor at Trent University in the Teacher Education Program.

Copyright © 2013 Nat ReedAll rights reserved by author.

Permission to copy for single classroom use only.Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.

Not for public display.

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Suggestions and Expectations

This 67 page curriculum unit can be used in a variety of ways. Each chapter of the

novel study focuses on two chapters of The Red Badge of Courage and is comprised

of four different activities:

Before You Read

Vocabulary Building

Comprehension Questions

Language and Extension Activities

A principal expectation of the unit is that students will develop their skills in

reading, writing, listening and oral communication, as well as in reasoning and critical

thinking.

Links with the Common Core Standards (U.S.)

Many of the activities included in this curriculum unit are supported by the

Common Core Standards. For instance the Reading Standards for Literature, Grade 5, makes reference to

a) determining the meaning of words and phrases. . . including figurative language;

b) explaining how a series of chapters fits together to provide the overall

structure;

c) compare and contrast two characters;

d) determine how characters … respond to challenges;

e) drawing inferences from the text;

f) determining a theme of a story . . . and many others.

Students can work on the activities at their own pace. Every activity need not be

completed by all students. A portfolio cover is included as well as a Student

Checklist.

Themes which may be taught in conjunction with the novel include the American Civil

War, courage and sacrifice, leadership, manhood, self-preservation, perseverance,

overcoming adversity, personal growth, facing one’s fears.

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List of Skills

Vocabulary Development

1. Locating descriptive words / phrases 8. Use of singular / plural nouns 2. Listing synonyms/homonyms 9. Listing compound words3. Identifying / creating alliteration 10. Identifying parts of speech4. Use of capitals and punctuation 11. Determining alphabetical order

5. Identifying syllables 12. Identification of root words6. Identify personification. 13. Identify/create similes7. Working with anagrams.

Setting Activities

1. Summarize the details of a setting

Plot Activities

1. Complete a time line of events 3. Identify the climax of the novel.2. Identify conflict in the story 4. Five W’s Chart

Character Activities

1. Determine character traits 3. Relating personal experiences2. Protagonists 4. Comparing two Characters

Creative and Critical Thinking

1. Research 5. Conduct an interview2. Write a newspaper story 6. Write a description of personal feelings

3. Write a letter to a friend 7. Write a book review4. Complete an Observation Chart 8. Complete a KWS Chart

Art Activities

1. A Storyboard 3. Design a cover for the novel2. Create a collage 4. Design an Information Card

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Synopsis

Written by Stephen Crane at the age of twenty-one, The Red Badge of Courage is

one of the greatest war novels of all time – so groundbreaking that critics consider it

to be the first work of modern American fiction. Although Crane never witnessed

warfare, The Red Badge of Courage is a realistic and terrifying account of the Civil

War and the fear that a young soldier must face on the battlefield as well as within

himself. [The Publisher]

Check out the clips for The Red Badge of Courage – movie and book trailers - on YouTube

Author Biography – Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane (1871 – 1900) was born in New Jersey

and was the last of fourteen children. While The RedBadge of Courage is considered Crane’s masterpiece,

he is also known for another brilliant yet grim work

of fiction, Maggie, A Girl of the Streets (1893), as

well as his poetry and journalism. Crane moved to

Europe in 1897 and died in Germany at the age of

twenty-nine from tuberculosis. [Aladdin Books]

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Student Checklist

Student Name:

Assignment Grade / Level Comments

6

The Red BadgeOf Courage

By Stephen Crane

Name:

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Chapter 1 - 2

Before you read the chapter:

The protagonist in most novels features the main character or “good guy”. Theprotagonist of The Red Badge of Courage is Henry Fleming, an eighteen year oldsoldier fighting in the American Civil War. Think back on some of your favorite charactersfrom past novels you have read or movies you’ve seen. What do you think makes for anespecially interesting protagonist?

Vocabulary:

Choose a word from the list to complete each sentence.

resolutely monotonous elaborate disdain intricate extravagantlurid impregnable persistent intimate vindication skedaddle

1. The convict received complete ________________ when the jury declared him innocent of all charges.

2. Working on an assembly line in McGruger’s factory was so _______________ thatan eight hour shift seemed to go on forever.

3. Her quilt pattern was so ________________ that it took several weeks to complete.

4. My aunt considered the horror movie to be very _____________ and in extremely bad taste.

5. When the farmer caught us in his garden, we all decided it would be best to ___________________.

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6. Edinburgh Castle was thought to be ________________ by the Scots.

7. Buying her a diamond necklace was considered by many to be a very _______________ act.

8. Most _________________ did he deny the serious accusations made against him.

9. There must be a good deal of trust in a relationship before two people can become______________ friends.

10. Most inventors agree that one must be very _______________ in order to achieve final success.

11. The thieves came up with quite an _____________ scheme for breaking into the mansion.

12. Mr. Burns treated all of his employees with ______________ and disrespect.

Questions

1. It isn’t until well into the novel that we learn the name of the protagonist. Until then, the author simply refers to him as “the youth”. Why do you think he does this?

Good to KnowIn another popular American novel, Sounder, by William H. Armstrong, the authordoes not reveal the name of the protagonist for the entire novel, simply referring tohim as “the boy”.

2. Describe the setting at the beginning of Chapter One.

3. Describe the source of the turmoil in Henry’s mind during the first two chapters. What would you say is his chief concern as he thinks about going into battle?

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4. Investigate: There are a number of military terms in the first few chapters of the novel. Using resources in your school /classroom library or on the Internet, define the following terms:

a pickets

b cavalry

c infantry

d regiment

e brigade

f pontoonbridge

5. Describe how his mother’s reaction to his enlistment in the army had been a

disappointment to him.

6. Henry found camp life in the army to be very monotonous. T or F

7. Why do you think the tall man’s serene unconcern dealt Henry a measure of confidence?

8. Describe the general reaction of the soldiers to the soldier trying to steal a horse from the farm girl. What do you think prompted them to react in this manner?

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Activities

A. Rank and File.

A number of army ranks are mentioned in The Red Badge of Courage. Soldiers likeHenry, soon understand the significance of different army ranks, but for the generalpublic, they can be quite confusing. Using resources in your school library or on theInternet, arrange the following army ranks in order, from the least to the greatest:

major

private

general

corporal

colonel

sergeant

lieutenant

captain

B. Personification is giving human qualities to something that is not human. The

first paragraph of the novel provides the reader with at least two examples ofpersonification: “…the army awakened, and began to tremble with eagerness…” Thearmy reminds the reader of a person – awakening and trembling. Later in the paragraphthe author writes, “… and at night when the stream had become of a sorrowfulblackness…” Here the stream is described as being sorrowful.

a) Why do you think personification is a literary device used by many authors?

b) Create your own example of personification.

c) Bonus: Keep your eyes open for another example of personification. When you find one, come back to this page and record it below. (There are dozens in the novel.)

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C. Anagrams

An anagram is a word that is formed by changing the order of the letters of another word.For example, the letters in the word PAN can also form the word NAP. Follow thesedirections to form the anagrams:

a) read the clue in the right-hand column.

b) Using the word in the left-hand column move the letters around in any order, but you must use all the letters.

Each of the words in the left-hand column are found in the 1st chapter of our novel.

Word Anagram Clue

enlist Hear.

words A weapon.

rope Tiny opening on the surface of one’s skin.

pride Levered.

shoes One often sees these on a lawn or garden.

sharp Musical instruments.

D. Research – Famous General of the American Civil War

In Chapter Two the author mentions the great French general, Napoleon Bonaparte. The American Civil War also produced its share of great and famous generals – in both the Union (North) and Confederate (South) armies. From the list below select one general. Using resources in your school library or on the Internet, investigate the general of your choice and describe four interesting facts about the general and/or his accomplishments during the war to share with your colleagues. With your teacher’s permission you may choose a general not included on this list.

Union Army Confederate ArmyUlysses S. Grant Robert E. Lee

George McClelland Stonewall Jackson

Ambrose Burnside J.E.B. Stuart

George Armstrong Custer James Longstreet

John Reynolds A.P. Hill

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E. Storyboard

A storyboard is a series of pictures that tell about an important event in a story. A storyboard can tell the story of only one scene – or the entire novel.

Complete the storyboard below illustrating the events described in the first two chapters of The Red Badge of Courage. You may wish to practice your drawings on a separate piece of paper.

1 2

3 4

5 6

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Chapters 3 - 4


The actor, John Wayne, once said, “Courage is being scared to death … and saddling up anyway”. How would you define courage?

Vocabulary:

Many of the words in this Crossword Puzzle are from Chapters 1 to 4. Use the words inthe box to complete the puzzle.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12

13 14

15 16 17 18 19

20 21

22 23 24 25

26 27

28 29 30 31

32 33 34

35 36 37 38 39

40 41 42

43 44

45 46 47

48 49 50

51 52

53

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Down Across

1. The sound of a freight train.2. An American League baseball team.3 Henry’s was 18.4. The tall soldier’s surname.5. Not off.6. Mountains of Russia.7. Fourth planet from the sun.8. French word for name.9. Military units consisting of 2 or 3 battalions.10. Armed conflict.11. Unhappy.15. An army unit comprised of about 3,000 to 5,000 troops.

16. Urge to action.17. An alloy of iron and other elements.19. A girl’s name.21. A soldier fighting for the south.23. President of the Union during the Henry’s fighting days.24. Capital of the CSA. 25. Henry’s surname.30. __ big __ an ox.31. Attack.34. Physician.36. A military unit of 62-190 soldiers.37. Gets closer to.38. Shouted.42. Needed by a cavalry trooper.45. Vendetta.46. Long strip of cloth often worn around the waist.47. A television award.49. Emergency Room.

1. Connecticut.4 In the military it is when soldiers follow one behind the other.10. The capital of the northern states during the Civil War.12. A language of Papua New Guinea.13. A summer month.14. Providing soldiers with guns.15. Pontoon ___.18. Abilities.20. Route.21. ___chowder.22. Urge.24. Long gun.26. Icelandic National League.27. Another name for the northern states during the Civil War.28. Woody ___.29. French for lake. 32. A mountain in British Columbia.33. Finishes.35. The wealth and resources of a country.39. Piece of turf.40. An urban railway.41. Per.43. Groan.44. Pester.45. Skedaddled. 46. A cut of beef.48. “The ___ shriek of shells…”49. Earned run average.50. Montana (or mountain).51. Cow’s mammary gland.52. An unspecified or unknown person.53. Give way.

FLEMING RTE UNION IMPEL RICHMOND ALLENRIFLE COMPANY ON MOAN LAC SADSKILLS BRIDGES CLAM CHUG CT ELINL AS BRIGADE MARS BANSHEE CONKLINSOMEONE LINCOLN SASH SHAMES URAL LILNEARS UDDER REGIMENTS WASHINGTON YELLED ENDSFLED IMPULSE EACH EMMY FEUD AUGWAR ASSULT STEEL HORSE COLUMNS NAGNOM ARMING STEAK AGE ECONOMY RAOTIGERS SOD MT CONFEDERATE DOC ERAER YIELD

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Questions

1. The author mentions the soldiers in Chapter 3 carryingsix items, clothing, blankets, haversacks, canteens,arms and ____________________.

Good to KnowDuring the American Civil War there were three parts to the armies: infantry, cavalry and artillery. Generally, the infantry comprised the majority of soldierswho were principally foot soldiers. Cavalry troopers were mounted on horses.Members of the artillery were responsible for the large artillery pieces (cannons) during a battle.

2. On the morning of the battle in Chapter Three, what made the youth even moredisoriented as he began the day?

3. Investigate: the youth mentions receding skirmishers. Using resources in your classroom or school library or the Internet, find out what the particular role of a skirmisher was in a battle.

4. What do you think the author means by the following sentence: Their (the skirmishers) shots into thickets and at distant and at prominent trees spoke to him of tragedies – hidden mysterious and solemn?

5. How did the youth rationalize the lieutenant`s behavior when the officer beat him with a sword and ordered him to stop skulking?

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6. Describe the tactics employed by the officers during the battle to keep their men in line.

7. Describe the effect that the retreating soldiers had on the protagonist and his comrades.

Activities

A. A simile is a comparison using the words “like” or “as”. An example from Chapter

Four is “A shell screaming like a storm banshee…”

What two things are being compared in this example?

Invent your own similes comparing the following items with something from your imagination:

a) the sound of a herd of stampeding elephants

b) the wail of a baby raccoon

Bonus: Keep your eye open for another example of a simile as you read the novel. When you find one, remember to come back and enter it here

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B. Choose ten words from these chapters with two or more syllables. Indicate the

syllables by drawing a line between each syllable. Example: good / bye.

C. Collector’s Cards

Sports Cards have been a very popular collector’s item for anumber of years. A Willie Mays 1952 Topps rookie card isworth $3000 today.

Wouldn’t it be great if a series of collectors cards were issuedcelebrating some of the heroes of the American Civil War?

Design a card for a hero of your choice from either the Unionor Confederate army (or the civilian population). Possibilitiesinclude: Joshua Chamberlain, Nathan Bedford Forrest,Tom Custer, J.E.B. Stuart, Clara Barton, Philip Kearny,William Jackson or another approved by your teacher. Thefront should feature a colored picture of your hero, and theback should include at least four fascinating facts about him or her.

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Chapter 5 - 6


“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.” RalphWaldo Emerson. In the coming chapter Henry performs quite heroically for quite sometime. What do you think Ralph Waldo Emerson meant by the above quote? Do you agreewith him? Why or why not?

Vocabulary:

In each of the following sets of words, underline the one word that does not belong. Thenwrite a sentence explaining why it does not fit.

1. prominence eminence fen height

2. annihilate destroy gesticulate ruin

3. treacherous persistent tenacious dogged

4. exaggerate accumulate embellish magnify

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5. superficial profound deep sagacious

6. gratification delight enjoyment chastisement

7. formidable pleasant menacing frightful

Questions

Cloze Call

Complete the following exercise filling in the correct words from the Word Box.

brotherhood swearing wounded captain eyeballs repulsedlieutenant race shoot rifle flags smoke

gratification circus supports brown line dejectiongeneral battery collar exhaustion death roar

While waiting for the battle to begin, Henry remembered waiting for arrival of the

____________ parade when he was a small boy. Suddenly, across the

____________-infested field came a ____________ swarm of men. A ____________

rode up and told the colonel that his men had to hold the enemy back. The colonel

told his men not to ____________ until he told them to. As the battle began Henry felt

a subtle battle ____________ born of smoke and the danger of ____________. He

then felt that his ____________ were about to crack like hot stones and a burning

____________ filled his ears. The tall man was ____________ in a loud voice. A

soldier who had tried to run away was stopped by the ____________, who seized him

by the ____________. The ____________ in the youth’s company had been killed

early in the battle. Finally the enemy’s charge was ____________ and the rebels fled.

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From a position in the rear a ____________ was lobbing shells over them. A small

procession of ____________ men were now heading toward the rear. The sight of his

army’s ____________ gave the youth a thrill.

Surviving the battle gave the youth a deep sense of ____________, but when he and

his comrades realized the enemy was attacking again, a feeling of ____________

swept through the ranks. The men began to complain that they had received any

____________. The youth found himself reeling from ____________. Finally, he

threw down his ____________ and ran like a rabbit. He thought of his retreat as a

____________ in which he had to outrun his fellow-soldiers. When he finally stopped

running and was able to listen in on the words of one of his generals, he realized that

his comrades had held the ____________ after all and were victorious.

Activities

A. Place the following words from these chapters in alphabetical order.

loaded 1.life 2.lieutenant 3.like 4.mislaid 5.looked 6.left 7.fierce 8.last 9.leaves 10

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B. The word “felt” can be used as a noun or a verb, depending on the

sentence. Use your imagination and write sentences to illustrate how this word can be used as both a noun and a verb.

FELT

Noun

Verb

C. Interview at least three other students for their views of this novel so far. (Try to get both positive and negative comments.) Write a brief report putting these views together.

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Chapter 7 - 8

Before you read the chapters:

Abraham Lincoln (who was President of the United States during the events described in this novel) is regarded by many historians as the one of America’s greatest historical characters. Many of his quotations have been passed down to us. One of his most famous quotes is as follows: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Do you agree or disagree with this quote. Explain your answer.

Vocabulary:

Draw a straight line to connect the vocabulary word to its synonym or definition.Remember to use a straight edge (like a ruler).

1. annihilation a. reconcile2. imbecile b. fearfulness3. conciliate c. stubborn4. intricate d. uncontrollable emotion5. trepidation e. destruction 6. obscurity f. sarcastic7. obstinate g. country bumpkin8. hysterical h. idiot9. sardonic i. murkiness 10. yokel j. complicated

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Questions

Indicate whether the following statements are True or False.

1. The youth thought that his comrades who remained in the battle were fools.

True orFalse

2. The youth fled into the woods in Chapter Seven to escape a company of soldiers who were looking for him.

True orFalse

3. As the youth made his way through the swamp he was startledby a black bear that had been injured by a mortar shell.

True orFalse

4. The dead soldier that the youth came upon in the forest had been dead for less than half an hour.

True orFalse

5. Near the beginning of Chapter Eight the youth finds himself running toward the sound of musket fire.

True orFalse

6. The youth noticed that the firing of muskets in the battle produced a wall of grey smoke.

True orFalse

7. When the youth came upon the wounded men streaming to therear, he was astonished that the wounded men made not a sound of complaint despite their desperate wounds.

True orFalse

8. The song that the youth sang was a version of “Sing a Song ofSixpence”.

True orFalse

9. All of the wounded soldiers were very impressed by the courage and unselfishness of the wounded officer who was beingcarried by two privates.

True orFalse

10. As Chapter Eight ends, the youth is completely rattled when someone asks him where he was wounded.

True orFalse

Good to Know

The American Civil War was one of the bloodiest conflicts

in history. From 1861 – 1865 more than 620,000 soldiers

died in this brutal war. This compares to about 405,000

American soldiers who died in World War II. Altogether

The Union army totaled more than 2.2 million and the

Confederates fielded an army of more than one million

men. This is especially amazing considering the population

of the entire United States was only about 31 million at that time.

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Activities

A. Write the plural of the following nouns from these chapters. Careful – you may wish

to consult a dictionary for some of these words.

Singular Noun Plural Noun

armymanleaf

complexitychainfootbody

personcompany

tooth

B. Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States,and was in office during the events described in The RedBadge of Courage. Many Americans regard President Lincolnas one of the greatest Presidents in the history of the country.Lincoln was President during the one of the most tumultuoustimes in America, and managed to guide the nation through thewar before being assassinated in 1865. Using resources in yourschool library or on the Internet, investigate this great man andrecord three additional interesting facts about his life and accomplishments.

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C. Rewrite the following sentences putting in the correct capitalization and

punctuation.

was henry fleming from the state of new york

marcy agnes and terra decided to attend a basketball game at madison square garden

why don’t you ask aunt teresa if you can visit her in toronto after christmas

D. Copy out any three sentences from these chapters and underline the nouns.

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Chapter 9 - 10


Describe how you would be feeling if you were Henry Fleming at this point in the story.

Vocabulary:

Choose a word from the list that means the same or nearly the same as the underlinedword(s).

reproach reiterate contorted prolonged dignityharangue contempt plaintive vigilance proclaimed

1 The college extended the due date for his application feeuntil Thursday.

2 The whole team treated the assistant coach with disdain.

3 They twisted the pretzel into the most unusual shapeimaginable.

4 A good sentry must have a great deal of diligence whenon duty.

5 They announced the coronation of the queen with greatfanfare.

6 The lecture that the old man delivered was quite offensiveand undeserved.

7 The mournful cry of the wounded deer could be heardthroughout the forest.

8 Why did Mr. Kelly rebuke Justin in front of the wholeclass?

9 Much honor and respect is attached the responsibilities ofa judge.

10 You may have to repeat your instructions to us.

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Questions

1. Describe Henry’s emotional state as Chapter Nine begins.

2. Henry equates a red badge of courage with a _________________.

3. Near the beginning of Chapter Nine, Henry is astonished to come across hisold friend, Jim ________________.

4. Why do you think Jim refused Henry’s help when he was so badly wounded?

5. Foreshadowing is a literary device where the author provides a hint of something to come in the story. Before Jim’s death the author provides clues ofthe man’s impending fate. Give an example of this.

6. What was it that motivated the tattered man to survive his injuries?

7. How did the tattered man find out that he had been wounded?

8. How did the author reveal the seriousness of the tattered man’s wounds towardthe end of Chapter 10?

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Activities

A. Homonyms

These chapters include a number of examples of words that have homonyms – great – grate and no – know are just two examples. Two words are homonyms if they are pronounced or spelled the same way but have different meanings.

Think of two more examples of homonyms and use each in a sentence showing the meaning of each word quite clearly.

Example 1

Homonyms Sentence1

2

Example 2

Homonyms Sentence1

2

B. Talk Show

With two or three other students prepare to participate in a televisiontalk show featuring characters from Chapters 1 - 10. Choose aninteresting character from the book (it doesn’t necessarily have to beHenry). Prepare 5 or 6 questions to ask and possible answers.

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C. What’s It All About, Henry?

The author mentions a number of interesting topics to thispoint in the novel: American Civil War, Civil Warweapons (rifles, swords, artillery), Civil War uniformsand flags, technology of the 1860’s (i.e. photography,transportation, weaponry, medicine). Your task is tochoose an interesting topic related to this novel, then usethe chart below to create a research organizer. Place the particular topic in the middle balloon, then in the connecting balloons choose subtopics which would help you to do a thorough investigation of the topic.

For example: if the topics was dogs, subtopics might include diet, lifespan, enemies, etc.

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1.

3.

4. 2.

5.


Chapter 11 - 12


Creative chapter titles can really add to a good story. Unfortunately Stephen Crane doesnot provide us with titles for the chapters in The Red Badge of Courage. After you haveread Chapter Eleven and Twelve, return to this question and create creative andappropriate titles for these chapters which reflect the contents.

Chapter 11: _____________________________________________

Chapter 12: _____________________________________________

Vocabulary:


exhortations calamity vindication forlorn maledictionsublime scrutiny sinister unprecedented invincible

1. Jeremy was so furious with the opposing pitcher; he racked his brain for an appropriate ______________ to upset the player’s concentration.

2. The curator of the museum subjected the valuable urn to a great deal of _____________ before assigning a value to it.

3. I felt badly for little Justine, because she looked so ____________ when she was standing all alone at the back of the classroom.

4. I took one bite of the delicious apple pie and had to tell Mrs. Henderson that it had a most ____________ taste.

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5. After eating the spinach, Popeye felt _________________.

6. Everyone considered the loss of the diamond was a _____________ to the royal family.

7. Winning eighteen games in a row was completely ________________ for the Saints.

8. The basketball team was able to completely tune-out the pointless _________________ of their loud-mouthed coach.

9. The center fielder felt a great deal of _______________ after having such a great season.

10. The bandit gave a ______________ laugh, then attacked the people waiting at thebus stop.

Questions

1. Why do you think the youth found it comforting to see his own army retreating?

2. Cite one example from Chapter 11 to prove the youth had a vivid imagination.

3. The youth says at one point that a certain mothlike quality within him kept him in the vicinity of the battle. What did he mean by this?

4. A metaphor is defined as a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is representative of something else, especially something abstract. An example from Chapter 11 is “… some arrow of scorn…” where scorn is likened to an arrow. Use your imagination to create a sentence containing a metaphor. Your subject is war.

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5. Describe how the youth sustained his head injury.

b. How might the youth use this injury to his advantage?

6. Henry Fielding belonged to the 304th Regiment from the state of ___________.

7. What kind of reception do you think Henry will receive from his comrades now that he is back with his old regiment?

Good to Know – The ArtilleryThroughout the novel the youth makes mention of therole that the artillery and artillerymen played in a Civil War battle. During this great war there were hundredsof battlefield-tested artillery projectiles, cannons and shells. There were two types of artillery at this time: Heavy (or Foot) Artillery and Light (or Field) Artillery. A standard Field Artillery usually consisted of six guns. Each gun was pulled by six horses.

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Activities

A. Horses of the Civil War

Horses played a huge role during the American Civil War.Horses moved guns and ambulances. Thousands of troopersin the cavalry depended on their mounts to carry them throughcountless battles and skirmishes. It is estimated that morethan one million horses were killed during this devastating war.The Morgan horse breed was the horse most sought after, butmany other breeds were also utilized. These included Fox trotters, Tennessee Walkers,American Saddlebreds, Arabs, and Irish Hunters. Using resources in your school library or on the Internet do some research on one of these breeds, or one approved by your teacher. Record at least four facts which your fellow classmates will find fascinating.

B. Copy out any three sentences from these chapters and underline the verbs.

C. Alliteration

Authors often enjoy using alliteration – a literary device where theauthor repeats the same sound at the beginning of several words. Anexample from Chapter Twelve is “There was a sinister struggle.”

Using your imagination, create your own examples of alliteration fromthe following topics. Each example must contain a minimum of three words.

The crackle of a fire in a fireplace

The cheep of a budgie

From your imagination

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D. A Letter to Mom

Imagine Henry decides to write a letter to his mom to fill her in on someof the things which have happened to him during the past few days.Henry finds that writing such a letter is a good way to get things off hischest and share his experiences with someone that will understandwhat he has been going through. Use your imagination to put yourselfin Henry’s place and then create such a letter letting your mom knowsomething of your experiences since she last saw you. Use yourimagination to describe what has happened in your life during the pastfew weeks, mentioning some of the more memorable incidents. Your letter should be atleast a half-page in length and follow the proper format of a friendly letter.

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Chapters 13 - 14


Chapter Twelve ends in something of a cliffhanger. Who was this mysterious man? Will Henry meet him again? Who do you think this man might be? Predict what possible role he might play later in the novel.

Vocabulary:

Solve the following word search puzzle using the words from the Word Box. Remember– the words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, forward or even backward!

Word Box:

SENTINEL OBLIGED PASSIVE PERILOUS PROSTRATECONTEMPLATED EXERTIONS PERSISTENT QUAINT PETULANT

PEREMPTORY CONDEMNATION INSOLENT DEPRECATING BLATANT

Q G W C E T Q U A I N T E P EC M N N O T N A T A L B V R WP O T I B N V E C X S D I O SE P N O T I T U T Y G F S S UT S E D M A N E B S T R S T OU N L M E Q C U M Y I D A R LL O O N V M O E R P T S P A IA I S B B A N L R K L J R T RN T N V N S P A F P G A H E ET R I C M D F D T M E N T B PD E O B L I G E D I S D V E CF X L E N I T N E S O M N B DP E R E M P T O R Y Z N V C X

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Questions

1. The characters of this novel utter a wide assortment unusual expressions, some of which can be difficult to understand. Put the following expressions fromthese chapters in easier to understand English. (You may wish to check the context before responding).

… he would be a soft target.

I’ll take keer ‘a yeh.

he caught occasional glimpses of visages that loomed pallid and ghostly…

Yeh don’t holler ner say nothin’

2. Describe the reception that Henry received when he returned to his regiment.

Good to KnowIn Chapter 13 Henry is offered a drink of coffee, which he very much appreciates. It is estimated that about two-thirds of the soldiers who died duringthe Civil War died of disease, not wounds. Many of these deaths were the result of poor hygiene – i.e. drinking dirty water. Be careful, Henry!

3. How did the corporal think that Henry received his wound?

4. What was Henry’s first thought when he awoke the morning after he returned tohis regiment?

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5. What do you think the following statement means: He saw that this somber picture was not a fact of the present, but a mere prophecy?

6. Describe the changes that Henry had noticed in the loud young soldier.

7. How did it come about that despite the regiment losing about half its men during the battle, by the next day they were almost up to full strength?

Activities

A. Beside each of the following words from these chapters, write its root word.

unsteadily awakening

perceiving uplifting

sicknesses hastily

aching argument

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B. Observation Chart

The Red Badge of Courage is a novel filled with sights and sounds – especially those from nature. Look back over the novel and get as many examples of the five senses, then list them in the chart below with a brief description about where each was found. You may wish to choose your examples from one particular scene, or include a number of different scenes.

Sight Sound Touch Taste Smell

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Chapter 15 - 16


Someone once said, “Everyone tries to define this thing called Character. It's not hard. Character is doing what's right when nobody's looking.” In the coming chapters Henry once again faces some severe tests to his character. How might the testing of a person’s character now and then be a good thing?

Vocabulary:

Write a sentence using the following words. Make sure that the meaning of the word isclear in your sentence.

lugubrious –

tantalise –

retribution –

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reverie –

discretion –

consternation -

reverberation -

obliterate -

denunciate -

conciliate -

derision -

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Questions

1. What do you think Henry should say if he is questioned about where he was theprevious day?

2. What does the following sentence mean: He (Henry) had performed hismistakes in the dark, so he was still a man?

3. Why might it be regarded as ironic that as Henry regarded the terror-struckfaces he felt a scorn for them?

4. How had being in possession of his friend’s packet of letters given him a senseof power?

5. What literary device is the following sentence an example of: The guns wereroaring without an instant’s pause for breath? __________________________

6. What literary device is the following sentence an example of: This noise,

following like the yelpings of eager, metallic hounds? ____________________

7. Describe how the sarcastic man made Henry feel badly when they weremarching along together.

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Activities

A. Find three examples of the following parts of speech from these chapters.

Nouns Verbs Adjectives

B. Conflict

We have already read about a number of important conflicts in this novel.Conflict is often an important element in a good story. There aregenerally three types of conflict: person against person; personagainst self; and person against nature. Find two examples of conflictin The Red Badge of Courage, and tell which type of conflict each is.

1

2

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Chapter 17 - 18


Predict how you think Henry will conduct himself in his next battle.

Vocabulary:

Choose a word from the list that means the same or nearly the same as the underlinedword(s).

exasperation annihilate contempt dignity respiteinterminable incredible gesticulate remonstrance alignment

1 No one expected the Union army to destroy theConfederates at the Battle at Gettysburg.

2 Mrs. O’Connor certainly conducts herself with a great dealof poise and style.

3 The odd arrangement of players during the faceoffaroused the curiosity of the opposing coach.

4 The battle was so long Henry thought it was never-ending.

5 Alice’s protest fell on deaf ears.

6 Fans of the Montreal Canadiens regard the Boston Bruinswith disdain.

7 Falling into the well and breaking his ankle filled poorJimmy with a great deal of frustration.

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8 The general began to motion wildly to his troops, trying towarn them of the impending attack.

9 “We didn’t think we were going to ever get any rest,”Georgia said.

10 The principal thought it was outlandish that the childrenwould expect him to believe their wild story.

Questions

1 As the battle starts up again in Chapter 17 the author compares it to animalstossed for a death struggle into a dark pit. Invent your own creative description ofwhat such a battle might be compared to.

2. Describe Henry’s conduct during the battle described in Chapter 17.

Good to KnowDuring the American Civil War the rifle was the most commonly used weaponon the battlefield, however it was very different than the ones used today. Mostwere muzzle-loaders which used a small lead musket ball and black powder.The single-shot rifles were slow to load and took an average of about 20seconds to load and fire. TheSpringfield Rifle Musket was oneof the most popular rifles in use.

3. Near the end of Chapter 17 a soldier makes a very sexist and offensive remark. What was it?

4. Describe the fate of Jimmie Rogers.

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5. Describe what Henry and his comrade overheard the general planning when theywent for water. What was the general’s opinion of Henry’s regiment?

6. How might the last sentence in Chapter 18 be an example of foreshadowing?

Activities

A. Try to reassemble the word parts listed below into ten compound words found in

these chapters of The Red Badge of Courage.

out fully light fore hate any boy ram self times him thing some head with sun cow rod relent less

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

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B. The Five W’s Chart

Choose a major event from the novel and then complete the following chart with the important details.

What happened?

Who was there?

Why did it happen?

When did it happen?

Where did it happen?

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Chapter 19 - 20


Who is your favorite character in the novel so far? Why did you select this character?

Vocabulary:


prominent convulsive accoutrements lurid stoicdelirium imprecations ominous vindictive mortification

1. It is very important for a poker player to remain __________ at all times, no matter how good or bad the hand.

2. The warning we heard on the radio regarding the impending thunderstorm was very ___________________.

3. The young girl’s body gave a __________________ jerk before she passed out.

4. The senator already held a ________________ position in government before her election.

5. The captain’s _______________ were both creative and foul.

6. When my pants split during the assembly, I thought I would die of __________________.

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7. After having a fever for several days, Sydney finally reached a point of _______________.

8. Katie can be very _______________ when she feels slighted.

9. In addition to his rifle, a soldier’s ________________ might weigh as much as twenty pounds.

10. The old sergeant’s tales can be quite _______________ when there are no women or children listening.

Questions

Indicate whether the following statements are True or False.

1. The forest made a tremendous objection, is an example of a simile. True orFalse

2. As the youth went into battle in Chapter 19, it seemed to him that hesaw everything bold and clear.

True orFalse

3. The regiment’s lieutenant was determined to keep the men movingduring their attack.

True orFalse

4. During a typical attack the men would stop every few paces to fire andload.

True orFalse

5. When the lieutenant grabbed the youth and told him to “Come on,”the youth was indignant and told the officer to “Come on yourself, then.”

True orFalse

6. When the sergeant was shot, the youth grabbed for the regiment’sflag, only to find that the dead sergeant seemed reluctant to release it.

True orFalse

7. The lieutenant was wounded in the ankle. True orFalse

8. By Chapter 20 Henry had already forgotten about the officer tellingthe general that his regiment fought like a bunch of mule drivers.

True orFalse

9. It was remarkable that during the attack described in Chapter 20, themen of Henry’s regiment did not panic.

True orFalse

10. As Chapter 20 concludes, we find Henry’s regiment gaining theupper hand in the battle.

True orFalse

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Activities

A. A News Report

Imagine you are a newspaper reporter at the time and place of TheRed Badge of Courage. You are asked by your editor to write a shortsummary of the adventures described in this novel (to this point) foryour interested readers.

Good to KnowIn these chapters Henry’s lieutenant receives a serious wound. Gunshot wounds of

the Civil War were extremely serious, due to the rather poor medical treatment

received as well as the nature of the round musket balls which would do severe

damage to a human body. The most common of the some 60,000 surgeries

performed in the Civil War, for instance, was amputation.

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B. KWS Chart

Choose a topic which is featured in The Red Badge of Courage (i.e. the Union and Confederate armies, military weapons of the Civil War, technology of the 1860s, horses, Civil War uniforms and accoutrements, etc.). In each of the columns below add helpful details which would help someone who is researching your chosen topic.

Topic:

What I Know What I want to Learn Possible Sources

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Chapters 21 - 22


Many of the issues in this novel are resolved in the coming chapters. Predict how you think the novel will end.

Vocabulary:

Circle the correct word that best matches the meaning of the underlined word.

1. In the distance were many colossal noises.

a) sympathetic b) enormous c) unassuming d) unknown

2. With backward glances of perturbation, they hastened.

a) curiosity b) humor c) agitation d) rudeness

3. His indignation caused many of the men to learn the sense of his words.

a) fury b) eloquence c) laughter d) laziness

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4. Having stirred this prodigious uproar, the brigade came marching out again.

a) loud b) ghostly c) stressful d) astonishing

5. His emaciated regiment bustled forth with undiminished fierceness.

a) care-worn b) changed c) weakened d) substantial

6. A formidable line of the enemy came within dangerous range.

a) impressive b) grief-stricken c) sizzling d) shaken

7. The regiment bled extravagantly.

a) joyously b) angrily c) meagerly d) extremely

Questions

1. What do you think the author meant by the statement, “They dreaded to bekilled in insignificant ways”? Why do you think a soldier would think this?

2. In Chapter 21, why was the general upset with the colonel? What did youpersonally think of the general’s tirade? Why?

3. Describe how Henry and his comrades responded to the general’s words to thecolonel.

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4. In his conversation with the lieutenant, what two soldiers was the colonelimpressed with?

5. The youth could see the two flags shaking with laughter, T or Fis an example of personification.

6. When it came time for Henry’s regiment to enter the battle T or Fin Chapter 22, they did so with a great deal of enthusiasm.

7. When faced with fighting an enemy on an open field, name two ways that the soldiers would sometimes seek to protect themselves.

8. As Chapter 22 draws to a close and the battle grows hot for Henry and his comrades, what is it that strengthens their resolve and keeps them going despite their obstacles?

9. The author mentions several times that the lieutenant has a real habit of cursing nonstop during a battle. Why do you think he does this? (Try to think of two or three possible reasons.)

Good to KnowWe are becoming quite familiar with the author’s mention ofvarious ranks in the Union Army, all the way from PrivateHenry Fleming to the general. As a soldier rose in rank hewas given responsibility for more soldiers under hiscommand. Usually, a sergeant commanded a squad of 9-10 soldiers; a platoon of 16-44 soldiers was commanded by a lieutenant; a company of 62-190 soldiers was commanded by a captain. Four to six companies made up a battalion and was commanded by a lieutenant colonel or colonel. A regiment was comprised of 3,000 to 5,000 men and was commanded by a general.

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Activities

A. Copy out any three sentences from these chapters and underline the adjectives.

B. Comparing Two Characters from the Novel

Using the Venn Diagram below compare Henry with one other character from the novel. Be sure to include physical traits as well as personality traits. Remember that any characteristics these two people share should be placed in the middle of the two circles.

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Henry _________

_

C. Did You Catch the Flick?

At least two movie versions of The Red Badge of Courage have beenfilmed. The first was made in 1951 and starred Audie Murphy (whointerestingly, was the most decorated American soldier of World WarII), A second version was released in 1974, starring Richard Thomas(of The Waltons television series). Although both versions of themovie remain faithful in most respects to the characters and plot of thenovel, they do take a few “liberties” as well.

If you get a chance to view the movie version, use the following framework to make a comparison of the book and movie. Version: _____________________________

Similarities The Novel The Movie

1

2

3

Differences The Novel The Movie

1

2

3

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Chapters 23 - 24


Which event in the novel did you enjoy the most? Why?

Vocabulary:

Draw a straight line to connect the vocabulary word to its synonym or meaning.Remember to use a straight edge (like a ruler).

1. ominous a. prone 2. paroxysm b. loud

3. dissection c. sweltering

4. prostrate d. examine

5. obdurate e. foreboding

6. sultry f. rejoicing

7. exultation g. anatomizing

8. pestilential h. inflexible

9. stentorian i. irritating

10.scrutinize j. eruption

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Questions

1 The climax of a story usually occurs at the most exciting or important point ofthe plot. Where do you think the climax of The Red Badge of Courage occurs?

2. During the battle described in Chapter 23, it might be said that Henry was goal-oriented. What would you say his goal was?

3. Many of the Confederate soldiers retreated from the battle. T or F

4. Describe how the battle described in Chapter 23 concludes.

5. The denouement of a novel is described as that part of every movie or novel after the big action scene, where things get explained, and the characters tie up loose ends. Explain how the events of Chapter 24 can be described as the denouement.

6. Did you think the ending was effective? Why or why not?

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Activities

A. A Book Cover

Create a book cover for The Red Badge of Courage. Be sure toinclude the title, author, and a picture that will make other studentswant to read the novel.

B. Collage

Make a collage from magazine pictures illustrating a scene from thenovel, or events and characters from the entire novel.

C. A Book Review

Now is your chance to share the novel with others. Write a review ofThe Red Badge of Courage describing in no more than oneparagraph an outline of the plot, and then in another paragraph howyou enjoyed the novel (or didn’t) and why. (Please don’t give away theending!) This review can be posted to a website like www.amazon.com.

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D. Lights, Camera, Action!

Suppose Hollywood decided to make The Red Badge of Courage into a full-length feature movie. Who would star in this exciting project? Now suppose you were asked to be the casting director for this movie. Who would you cast for the principal roles:

• Henry –

• Henry’s mother -

• Jim Conklin –

• The Tattered Man –

• The cursing lieutenant -

• The colonel –

• The general –

• ______________ –

• ______________ –

You may wish to choose Hollywood actors for this task, or for some fun, limit your choicesto people in your school (teachers and students). Beside each selection write a brief explanation for your choice.

Check out some of the clips of scenes from the novel featured on Youtube.

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E. Sequence Chart

List the main events of The Red Badge of Courage in the order in which they occurred.

The Red Badge of CourageFirst

Next

Next

Next

Next

Next

Next

Next

Last

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