The regiment is in serious disarray, and Henry joins forces with his lieutenant to try to keep the men focused on their retreat toward friendly lines. Confusion builds, and some of the troops in Henry’s regiment begin to think that they are moving toward the enemy instead of away from […]
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Suddenly, “the roar of the lieutenant” brings the men back to reality. The lieutenant cajoles and curses the men into action. Finally, Wilson jumps forward and fires a shot into the trees hiding the enemy. This action arouses the other men, and they all commence firing. Eventually, the regiment reaches […]
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The officers begin organizing the troops for the charge. The soldiers realize what they need to do; they are not hesitant. They simply await the command. Just as they are ready to charge, one of the soldiers makes the prophetic statement, “We’ll git swallowed.” Analysis This chapter allows Crane to […]
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When the charge does come, Henry fires so often that the barrel of his rifle becomes blisteringly hot. He continues to fire until a comrade tells him that he is firing at nothing because the enemy has withdrawn. His lieutenant is overjoyed with his efforts. Indeed, the lieutenant says, “By […]
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The troops take up their positions and wait. As they wait, they note the enemy’s movements, and the troops again become restless. At this point, their company’s lieutenant loses his temper after listening to the men’s complaints, and the lieutenant’s comments silence the soldiers. Finally, the regiment hears the increasing […]
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Henry feels superior to his friend, and he begins to rationalize his former behavior. He looks with disdain on the other soldiers who ran because, of course, their running could not compare to his running. His retreat was heroic, while theirs was tragic. When Wilson asks for his letters back, […]
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While Henry and Wilson are talking, three soldiers get into a heated argument, and Wilson tries to calm them down. Henry is impressed with Wilson’s strength of character and his willingness to put himself in jeopardy for the good of others. Henry mentions that he recognizes how much that Wilson […]
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Simpson tells Henry to sit down, and Henry does so with great relief. Wilson comforts Henry, dresses his head wound (commenting on the unusual nature if this head wound — a wound which looked more like someone had hit him over the head rather than a bullet wound), lets him […]
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Henry then hears “a cheery voice,” the voice of a soldier who recognizes that Henry is hurting and who helps him walk along. The cheery-voiced soldier’s conversation rambles over many topics. During this one-way conversation, the cheery soldier learns that Henry’s regiment is the 304th. The two continue walking, they […]
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He begins mentally arguing whether to join the troops, including assessing that he has no rifle and that he won’t able to find his regiment. Just as he overcomes those doubts and is about to rejoin the advancing force, a greater doubt grips him. He wonders how he will explain […]
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