In literature, authors use theories to convey t reader’s and swing their
attention to one specific character that goes the extra mile. One of the many
theories that come in literature is imitation. Imitation is the performance of an act
whose stimulus is the observation of the act performed by another person
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/imitation). This specific theory can be
found evident in the novel, The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. The
theory of imitation is ultimately proven through the main character Henry Fleming
all through from enlisting in the army, during his time with his regiment, and after
the missions end.
Firstly, Fleming’s relentless ambition to enlist to the army come about in
his life before enlisting. As Henry grew up and persevered as well as matured,
his aspirations of joining the army came about when he felt that he can be a hero
and somebody that people would not feel ashamed about. In order for Henry to
enlist and be the hero that he once thought of being, it would take great maturity
and commitment to enrol to a regiment. Henry’s mother stated, “Don’t forgit
about the socks and the shirts, child: and I’ve put a cup of blackberry jam with
yer bundle, because I know yeh like it above all things. Goodbye, Henry. Watch
out, and be a good boy” (7). This specific quotation that comes from his mother
shows the audience that Henry is yet to mature and handle his own when time
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comes and he has to protect a nation. This also shows that Henry is emulating
someone else’s dream or achievement due to the fact that nobody would make
an attempt to enlist with his level of maturity. Having dreamed of the glory and
valour of battle since childhood, Henry cannot believe that he may find himself in
the heat of combat the very next day. He wonders if soldiers in his regiment can
possibly achieve the same glory that the ancient Greek...