This is a classic coming of age story set during the American Civil War. Crane's style seems a mix of early Realism and Expressionism, but it also feels like a overt break from the Romantic movement prior to the Civil War. The "youth" Henry Fleming goes to war with romantic ideals of heroism, but discovers fear, isolation, failure and finally maturity. After his first encounter with battle, Fleming runs and wrestles with his cowardice. He returns, but disguises his running as having been wounded, when he is struck in the head by a comrade who wants Fleming to leave him alone. While the youth never admits this lie to his regiment, he confronts the guilt in the final battle, where feelings of heroism and honor dissolve into feelings of resigned acceptance. The youth becomes a man.

In this collection are four short stories, of which "The Upturned Face" was read. This story is also set during war, but an unspecified one. The story deals with two soldiers confronting the death of their comrade and deciding to bury him. As bullets fly overhead, the soldiers dig the hole and hold a brief service. The absurd scene seems almost comedic, ending with the repetitive sound of dirt going--plop. ( )

Crane, Stephen. The Red Badge of Courage.