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- Reading time of the summarized text: 18 minutes

"The Red Badge of Courage" is a novel by Stephen Crane that takes place during the American Civil War. The story follows a young Union Army private named Henry Fleming who flees from battle and longs for a "red badge of courage" to counteract his cowardice. The novel is known for its realism and naturalism, despite Crane not having experienced battle firsthand. The story explores themes of maturation, heroism, cowardice, and the indifference of nature. The novel received widespread acclaim upon its publication in 1895. The protagonist's growth and heroism are detailed throughout the novel, as he confronts the harsh realities of war. The novel's vivid descriptions and well-cadenced prose create suspense within the story. The Red Badge of Courage is notable for its use of irony, symbolism, and metaphor. The novel has been deemed a major American text and Crane's most important work.