Cook,+Christian

Entry one: I'm reading //Red Badge of Courage// by Stephen Crane. I chose it because the title sounds epic and interesting and it is about the Civil War. I know a lot about WWII and Vietnam but not much about the Civil War so I'm excited to learn more about history.

I read the first chapter this week which is page 1-16 in //Red Badge of Courage.// I didn't read much because I was sick so I slept a lot but I will make up for it next week! The first chapter set the mood of the book and introduced a main character Jim Conklin. He talks about how he always thought of war being a grand and Greek like fashion. The mood seems kind of dark, as should a book about somethings as dark as the civil war. I'm excited to read more of this book now that I'm not sick and feel a lot better. I'll read more this time.

9/10/11 This time I read pages 16-58 in //Red Badge of Courage// by Stephen Crane. Now the story has been taken over by the main protagonist, Henry Flemming, a young soldier and a friend to Jim Conklin. Their regiment marches through a forest and then enters a battle when coming across the enemy. The battle is described in a dark and realistic tone, not sugar coating things. Henry wakes up the next morning thinking they have won the battle, everyone is shaking hands and Henry is proud to have fought, survived, and won. Then news of the enemy resuming the charges comes, and after battle many men, including Henry retreat and run into the woods. It is now heard that a small group of men stayed back, and actually won the battle. Henry does not feel happy however. Instead he resents those men for winning without him while he ran. This shows a theme of pride and jealousy of others success while we do nothing. Henry wishes he could have been there and won instead of running. This book is very good sofar, I have enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more.

9/16/11 I read pages 58-128.In this section of of the most important things was when Henry looked around at wounded men from battle, and saw all their injuries. instead of pity or sorry, he had envy and jealousy of them. HE called those wounds a "red badge of courage" which is very interesting. Most people would be happy to be alive and well, but Henry has always had thoughts about glorious death in the field of battle. I think he will be killed in the end of the book, it would only make sense. Henry also runs into a "tattered man" before his friend Jim Conklin is killed. Henry leaves the man there, knowing that he will die. Henry also watches two other soldiers die with out helping due ti cowardice. I think its ironic that a man that idolizes heroic glory is such a coward and doesnt do anything he looks up to. I'm interested to see what will happen next and how this book will end. I am happy with this book because of the perspective and information on The Civil War I gain from this book.

9/28/11 I found it strange in this book that the majority of characters didnt have names, they were "The ______" like for example: The Tall Soldier (Jim) Originally Henry's best friend until he dies from a battle wound. The Loud Private (Wilson) becomes Henry's best friend and fights with him all through the book The Tattered Soldier a man with not long to live, but is savable. Henry leaves him to die. The Lieutenant is a commanding officer of the Regimen. I found that to be an interesting change from normal character names. I am happy I chose this book personally, it was interesting learning about The Civil War. I would recommend this book to fans of war history or The Civil War or even just fans good stories.
 * Summary:** Henry is a boy who has signed up for the army during the civil war, for a detailed (ish) description read the fist 3 blogs but for now I read page 128-END since last time I blogged. Henry and Wilson, Henry's new best friend also referred to as "The Loud Private"'s, regimen has been in a few battles since, where Henry has gotten steadily braver. Henry has done a few more courageous in the final battle, he leads the charge that wins the battle for the Union. Its only once one gave up the dream of being a hero where they could truly become one.
 * Characters:** The Youth (Henry)Main protagonist, goes through dynamic changes from coward to hero.


 * Rating**: I would give this book a 4/5. It was overall good but hard to follow at times.


 * Wiki Reflections:** I'm not a fan of wiki blogging, but it DEFINITELY beats reading logs. NEVER AGAIN! Reading logs are the worst. I'm sure there are also other forms of online reporting such as video blogs, or vlogs. Those would be far more difficult though. I think this works pretty well.