The study of the main character's development from immaturity to maturity in crane's the red badge of courage

Susanto, Herry (2003) The study of the main character's development from immaturity to maturity in crane's the red badge of courage. Bachelor thesis, Petra Christian University.

Abstract

Stephen Crane, who is an impressionist, naturalist and realist writer, without any experience in war, wrote his masterpiece The Red Badge of Courage. This novel talks about an immature young man, Henry Fleming, who becomes mature after he experiences war. The thesis writer is interested to know how the main character develops from immaturity to maturity. That is why the thesis writer wants to show that Henry Fleming experiences a development from immaturity to maturity based on his experience in war. In discussing the character development, the thesis writer divides the analysis into three parts. First, the thesis writer discusses Henry?s character in the beginning when he joins the war. Second, the thesis writer discusses the process of the development of Henry?s character and finally, the thesis writer discusses Henry?s character after he experiences war. In the analysis, the thesis writer shows Henry?s character development when he has to face the war in being inexperience. His being inexperience in war caused him to experience many shameful things as a soldier. The thesis writer analyzes the development in Henry?s character through his thought, speech and behavior before and after he becomes mature. He uses some theories such as characterization, setting, conflict and also psychological theories on immaturity and maturity. In the conclusion, the thesis writer finds out that Henry?s experience in war happens because of his wrong image of war. He thinks that war is something glorious and bloody conflict and he can become a hero easily without any experience in war. Because of that, he has to face many problems during the war. Henry becomes mature after he experiences a process that gives him the ability to overcome his problems. His maturity and his self-realization, finally enables him to accept himself for what he is, including his mistakes as well as his good and heroic deeds.

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