The Red Badge of Courage

Set during the Civil War, this novel explores the harrowing journey of a young recruit who confronts the stark reality of battle, shattering his romantic notions of war. As he flees in fear, he grapples with shame and the desire for redemption, ultimately seeking the "red badge of courage" through injury. Celebrated for its psychological depth and groundbreaking realism, it captures the profound disillusionment of soldiers, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers.