The Red Badge of Courage: Ch. 15-16

Henry is in possession of an envelop that Wilson had told the former to keep in case Wilson was killed in action. He instructed Henry to deliver the envelop to Wilson's family. How, after having survived the initial battle, Henry ponders giving it back, but his feelings of pride and and necessity for self-assurance assert themselves. The envelop, which represents Wilson's weakness, gives Henry the assurance that he needs. It seems to represent his courage as he now does not hold any more fear. Although this could be the result of idealism asserting itself when Henry is not caught in battle, Henry seems to nevertheless gain confidence about himself. Ironically, he even justifies his retreated and dignified while that of the other men as cowardly even though only a day ago, Henry was the one feeling like a coward. When Wilson asks for his envelope back, Henry complies, but he still has the self-confidence that it has brought him. Henry, at this point feels better than his comrade Wilson, even though Wilson indirectly gave him his confidence.

When Henry and a group of soldiers are led to another battle, this confidence again wanes in Henry. It seems that Henry's constant struggle between courage and cowardice is completely dictated by his situation. This suggests that Henry does not truly possess any courage because to be courageous means to be strong regardless of the situation. Henry blames his superiors again for they lack of leadership ability to win battles, but is silenced by another soldier because he suddenly realizes that his "dishonorable" retreat from the battlefield might be revealed.