Chapter VIII.
25 (p. 51 ) (p. 51 ) imitative of some sublime drum major: imitative of some sublime drum major: Each Union regiment was allotted two musicians. Among other functions, a drummer would beat a tattoo to set the pace for an advance. Here Crane emphasizes one of a drum major"s noncombative roles-to strut before a band in parade. Each Union regiment was allotted two musicians. Among other functions, a drummer would beat a tattoo to set the pace for an advance. Here Crane emphasizes one of a drum major"s noncombative roles-to strut before a band in parade.
26 (p. 51) (p. 51) "Sing "Sing a song ... a song ... pie pie": Crane rewords the Mother Goose rhyme: "Sing a song of sixpence, a pocketful of rye; four and twenty black-birds baked in a pie...." The alteration of the number to "five an" twenty" may have been intended to correspond with the number of chapters in the original ma.n.u.script.
27 (p. 51) (p. 51) the specter of the specter of a a soldier: soldier: Crane changes Conklin"s epithet from "the tall soldier" to "the specter" and later the "spectral soldier." Fleming"s initial inability to recognize Conklin resembles an incident in Ambrose Bierce"s tale "One of the Missing" (published in Crane changes Conklin"s epithet from "the tall soldier" to "the specter" and later the "spectral soldier." Fleming"s initial inability to recognize Conklin resembles an incident in Ambrose Bierce"s tale "One of the Missing" (published in Tales of Soldiers and Tales of Soldiers and Civilians), in which horror so disfigures an infantryman"s face that his own brother does not recognize him. Civilians), in which horror so disfigures an infantryman"s face that his own brother does not recognize him.
28 (p. 52) a (p. 52) a tattered man: tattered man: This is perhaps the most interesting of Crane"s epithets. Note how Crane avoids calling him a "soldier," a term that a.s.sociates an individual with an organization. The word "man" sets him apart from the army that surrounds him and thus emphasizes how war has broken him physically and psychologically and sent him into isolation. This is perhaps the most interesting of Crane"s epithets. Note how Crane avoids calling him a "soldier," a term that a.s.sociates an individual with an organization. The word "man" sets him apart from the army that surrounds him and thus emphasizes how war has broken him physically and psychologically and sent him into isolation.
Chapter IX.
29 (p. 58) (p. 58) like like a a wafer wafer: Critics have long debated how much of a religious dimension Crane intended in this concluding image. Some maintain that the spectral soldier"s death parallels Christ"s crucifixion. Jim Conklin shares initials with Jesus Christ. Both had wounds in their sides. The "wafer" may symbolize a secular Eucharist, Crane"s homage to the price ordinary men had to pay for the sins of their country. Biographer Robert Stallman traces the image to Rudyard Kipling"s The Light That Failed The Light That Failed (1890), a novel known to have had a significant impact upon Crane"s self-image as an artist. (1890), a novel known to have had a significant impact upon Crane"s self-image as an artist.
Chapter XI.
30 (p. 68) (p. 68) He was He was a a slang phrase: slang phrase: Many alterations and excisions of text occurred between the various ma.n.u.scripts and the first printing of the book. At this point, for instance, Crane discarded his original chapter XII, reducing the novel from twenty-five to twenty-four chapters. As with many of the other pa.s.sages he eliminated, the chapter explored Fleming"s philosophical musings of the moment: "He was unfit, then. He did not come into the scheme of further life. His tiny part had been done and he must go. There was no room for him." Many alterations and excisions of text occurred between the various ma.n.u.scripts and the first printing of the book. At this point, for instance, Crane discarded his original chapter XII, reducing the novel from twenty-five to twenty-four chapters. As with many of the other pa.s.sages he eliminated, the chapter explored Fleming"s philosophical musings of the moment: "He was unfit, then. He did not come into the scheme of further life. His tiny part had been done and he must go. There was no room for him."
Chapter XII.
31 (p. 69) (p. 69) they charged down upon him: they charged down upon him: We began to see the signs of the collapse of the Union right wing in the previous chapter. Stonewall Jackson"s flanking maneuver succeeded spectacularly. The Union"s Eleventh Corps, commanded by Major General Oliver O. Howard, panicked and fled in disarray, thus nullifying Hooker"s strategy and threatening his army with immediate defeat. In chapter XII, Fleming confronts the most chaotic point in the battle. That night, after reconnoitering the Union position, Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops; he died on May 10, 1863. We began to see the signs of the collapse of the Union right wing in the previous chapter. Stonewall Jackson"s flanking maneuver succeeded spectacularly. The Union"s Eleventh Corps, commanded by Major General Oliver O. Howard, panicked and fled in disarray, thus nullifying Hooker"s strategy and threatening his army with immediate defeat. In chapter XII, Fleming confronts the most chaotic point in the battle. That night, after reconnoitering the Union position, Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops; he died on May 10, 1863.
32 (p. 69) (p. 69) "Where de plank road "Where de plank road?": Built to transport tobacco to market, the strategically important plank road extended more than 11 miles from Wilderness Church in the west to Fredericksburg in the east. It had been constructed by ab.u.t.ting and fastening 2-inch-thick planks transversely laid across the road surface and was now in poor condition.
33 (p. 70) (p. 70) It crushed upon the youth"s head: It crushed upon the youth"s head: Many scholars agree that this incident marks the "turning point" in the novel. Ironically, Fleming"s "red badge of courage" comes at the end of a Union rifle b.u.t.t held by a psychological mirror image of the man he had been when he fled in chapter VI. As employed by Dante Alighieri in The Inferno, Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queene, and many other major writers, such turning points are accompanied by a period of unconsciousness for the protagonist. Many scholars agree that this incident marks the "turning point" in the novel. Ironically, Fleming"s "red badge of courage" comes at the end of a Union rifle b.u.t.t held by a psychological mirror image of the man he had been when he fled in chapter VI. As employed by Dante Alighieri in The Inferno, Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queene, and many other major writers, such turning points are accompanied by a period of unconsciousness for the protagonist.
34 (p. 72) (p. 72) a cheery voice near his shoulder a cheery voice near his shoulder: Some scholars suggest that this scene parallels the parable about the Good Samaritan in the Bible, Luke 10:29-37.
Chapter XIII.
35 (p. 76) (p. 76) his friend: his friend: Note how Wilson"s epithet has changed from "loud soldier" to "friend." Note how Wilson"s epithet has changed from "loud soldier" to "friend."
36 (p. 77) (p. 77) "Yeh"ve been grazed by a ball" "Yeh"ve been grazed by a ball": This incident typifies Crane"s contrasting the truth of perception with the fallacy of human reasoning. The corporal here dismisses what he sees despite the evidence. Remember that in a parallel situation the company lieutenant tried to stop Fleming from skedaddling in chapter VI, but the officer either does not remember or chooses not to do anything about the desertion in the second half of the novel.
Chapter XIV.
37 (p. 84) (p. 84) "Jest like you done": "Jest like you done": This is tacit evidence that the panic that had seized Fleming had been more common among his peers than he realizes. This is tacit evidence that the panic that had seized Fleming had been more common among his peers than he realizes.
Chapter XVI.
38 (p. 88) to relieve a command: The 304th"s movement parallels the redeployment of the Third Corps on May 3 to reinforce the right wing of the Union line. (p. 88) to relieve a command: The 304th"s movement parallels the redeployment of the Third Corps on May 3 to reinforce the right wing of the Union line.
39 (p. 89) (p. 89) "More than one feller has said that t"-day": "More than one feller has said that t"-day": Fleming"s att.i.tude was common among Union soldiers. Most Union generals paled when compared to the tactical brilliance of Robert E. Lee. Abraham Lincoln"s firing of ineffective generals probably reinforced the infantrymen"s distrust of their military leadership. Fleming"s att.i.tude was common among Union soldiers. Most Union generals paled when compared to the tactical brilliance of Robert E. Lee. Abraham Lincoln"s firing of ineffective generals probably reinforced the infantrymen"s distrust of their military leadership.
40 (p. 90) (p. 90) the brigadier: This the brigadier: This is probably the brigade commander. is probably the brigade commander.
Chapter XVII.
41 (p. 95) (p. 95) "Oh," he said, comprehending: "Oh," he said, comprehending: Fleming"s unease when he realizes that others notice his actions under fire ironically antic.i.p.ates an incident that occurred later when Crane was a war correspondent in Cuba during the Spanish-American War in 1898. In the company of the Rough Riders, who at one point were pinned down by enemy fire, Crane needlessly and nonchalantly strolled along a ridge in his white rain slicker, smoking his pipe and inviting a hail of Spanish bullets. He ignored the orders of an American colonel and others to regain cover until fellow correspondent and fiction writer Richard Harding Davis commented, "You"re not impressing anyone by doing that, Crane," at which point a self-conscious, embarra.s.sed Crane ended his show of bravado and rejoined the entrenched troops. Fleming"s unease when he realizes that others notice his actions under fire ironically antic.i.p.ates an incident that occurred later when Crane was a war correspondent in Cuba during the Spanish-American War in 1898. In the company of the Rough Riders, who at one point were pinned down by enemy fire, Crane needlessly and nonchalantly strolled along a ridge in his white rain slicker, smoking his pipe and inviting a hail of Spanish bullets. He ignored the orders of an American colonel and others to regain cover until fellow correspondent and fiction writer Richard Harding Davis commented, "You"re not impressing anyone by doing that, Crane," at which point a self-conscious, embarra.s.sed Crane ended his show of bravado and rejoined the entrenched troops.
Chapter XVIII.
42 (p. 100) th" 12th ... th" 76th ... th" 304th: The officer"s omission of state names before regimental numbers may be because all are from New York, as was the case for the actual Second Brigade of the Second Division in the Third Corps. (p. 100) th" 12th ... th" 76th ... th" 304th: The officer"s omission of state names before regimental numbers may be because all are from New York, as was the case for the actual Second Brigade of the Second Division in the Third Corps.
Chapter XXI.
43 (p. 114) (p. 114) Whiterside: Whiterside: This is probably a commander of another brigade in Fleming"s division. This is probably a commander of another brigade in Fleming"s division.
Chapter XXII XXII.
44 (p. 117) a (p. 117) a house: house: This is possibly the Bullock house, a structure that stood near a strategic crossroads just north of Chancellorsville. This is possibly the Bullock house, a structure that stood near a strategic crossroads just north of Chancellorsville.
Chapter XXIII.
45 (p. 122) (p. 122) "We must charge" "We must charge"m!": A "charge" is among the more desperate of military tactics. It concedes that a sizable percentage of a regiment will become casualties while traversing open ground, yet presumes that the size of the advancing force will not be depleted by gunfire before overrunning the enemy"s position and that its survivors will overwhelm the defending force and take the position. History is replete with examples of commanders who miscalculated the strength of their own and opposing forces. A "charge" is among the more desperate of military tactics. It concedes that a sizable percentage of a regiment will become casualties while traversing open ground, yet presumes that the size of the advancing force will not be depleted by gunfire before overrunning the enemy"s position and that its survivors will overwhelm the defending force and take the position. History is replete with examples of commanders who miscalculated the strength of their own and opposing forces.
Chapter XXIV.
46 (p. 129) (p. 129) "we got a dum good "we got a dum good lickin"": Although some historians argue that Hooker still had enough forces in reserve to win the battle, his decision to withdraw iced the cake of the Confederate victory. Union casualties for the battle totaled 17,304 killed, wounded, and missing; Confederate casualties totaled 13,460 killed, wounded, and missing. The next major battle in the East would come two months later at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. lickin"": Although some historians argue that Hooker still had enough forces in reserve to win the battle, his decision to withdraw iced the cake of the Confederate victory. Union casualties for the battle totaled 17,304 killed, wounded, and missing; Confederate casualties totaled 13,460 killed, wounded, and missing. The next major battle in the East would come two months later at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
47 (p. 130) (p. 130) as if hot plowshares: as if hot plowshares: The metaphor comes from the popular religious symbol taken from the Bible, Isaiah 2:4: "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares." The metaphor comes from the popular religious symbol taken from the Bible, Isaiah 2:4: "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares."
The Open Boat 1 (p. 131) (p. 131) The Open Boat: The Open Boat: In November 1896, Crane traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, employed as a correspondent by a newspaper syndicate. He had been a.s.signed to cover the Cuban insurrection against Spanish authority and so tried to secure pa.s.sage on any available "filibuster" vessel, one that would run the blockade of the island to transport supplies and personnel. This was the only way an American reporter could make his way to the fighting. After a month of intrigue and frustration, on January 1, 1897, he embarked on the steamer In November 1896, Crane traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, employed as a correspondent by a newspaper syndicate. He had been a.s.signed to cover the Cuban insurrection against Spanish authority and so tried to secure pa.s.sage on any available "filibuster" vessel, one that would run the blockade of the island to transport supplies and personnel. This was the only way an American reporter could make his way to the fighting. After a month of intrigue and frustration, on January 1, 1897, he embarked on the steamer Commodore, Commodore, which was to convey weapons, supplies, and rebel troops to Cuba. Under mysterious circ.u.mstances, the vessel sank rapidly in the open ocean on January 2, drowning many crew members and pa.s.sengers. Crane and three others escaped certain death in a small, precarious dinghy and rowed their way back to Florida"s east coast, where they landed near Daytona Beach on the morning of January 3. William Higgins, an oilman, was killed after the boat capsized in the surf On January 7 Crane published in the New York Press a news account of his experience that focuses on events involving the sinking and almost entirely ignores the thirty hours spent in the dinghy. During the following months, while recuperating in Jacksonville, he composed "The Open Boat," which reverses the focus in the newspaper article. He first published the story in the June 1897 issue of which was to convey weapons, supplies, and rebel troops to Cuba. Under mysterious circ.u.mstances, the vessel sank rapidly in the open ocean on January 2, drowning many crew members and pa.s.sengers. Crane and three others escaped certain death in a small, precarious dinghy and rowed their way back to Florida"s east coast, where they landed near Daytona Beach on the morning of January 3. William Higgins, an oilman, was killed after the boat capsized in the surf On January 7 Crane published in the New York Press a news account of his experience that focuses on events involving the sinking and almost entirely ignores the thirty hours spent in the dinghy. During the following months, while recuperating in Jacksonville, he composed "The Open Boat," which reverses the focus in the newspaper article. He first published the story in the June 1897 issue of Scribner"s Magazine Scribner"s Magazine and later collected it in and later collected it in The Open Boat and Other Stories The Open Boat and Other Stories (1898). (1898).
2 (pp. 133-34) (pp. 133-34) the cook ... the oiler ... the correspondent ... the captain: the cook ... the oiler ... the correspondent ... the captain: The captain"s name was Edward Murphy, the oilman"s William Higgins, and the cook"s Charles Montgomery; the correspondent represents Crane himself. As he did in The captain"s name was Edward Murphy, the oilman"s William Higgins, and the cook"s Charles Montgomery; the correspondent represents Crane himself. As he did in The Red Badge of Courage The Red Badge of Courage, Crane transforms names in the short story to occupational epithets, suggesting the characters" symbolic significance and enhancing the universal aspect of their collective plight.
3 (p. 135) (p. 135) the Mosquito Inlet Light: the Mosquito Inlet Light: The name Mosquito Coast Inlet was changed to Ponce Inlet in 1927. Located approximately 11 miles south-southeast from the center of Daytona Beach, Florida, this lighthouse went into service in 1887. Located in a region known for shipwrecks since the sixteenth century, it radiated a beam of light visible 20 miles out at sea. The name Mosquito Coast Inlet was changed to Ponce Inlet in 1927. Located approximately 11 miles south-southeast from the center of Daytona Beach, Florida, this lighthouse went into service in 1887. Located in a region known for shipwrecks since the sixteenth century, it radiated a beam of light visible 20 miles out at sea.
4 (p. 142) (p. 142) the seven mad G.o.ds: the seven mad G.o.ds: Critics have advanced several possibilities about the G.o.ds Crane had in mind. Most believe that one of the seven was the Olympian G.o.d Poseidon (Neptune in Roman mythology) and that the other six were compilations of the many sea deities from Greek myth. Crane may have considered Pontos, the most ancient of Greek sea G.o.ds, and his children Phorkos, Thaumas, Nereus, Eurybia, Keto, and Aigaion. Robert Stallman suggests that Crane chose their number to correspond to the seven men stranded on the deck of the sinking Critics have advanced several possibilities about the G.o.ds Crane had in mind. Most believe that one of the seven was the Olympian G.o.d Poseidon (Neptune in Roman mythology) and that the other six were compilations of the many sea deities from Greek myth. Crane may have considered Pontos, the most ancient of Greek sea G.o.ds, and his children Phorkos, Thaumas, Nereus, Eurybia, Keto, and Aigaion. Robert Stallman suggests that Crane chose their number to correspond to the seven men stranded on the deck of the sinking Commodore. Commodore.
5 (p. 146) a (p. 146) a pale star appeared: pale star appeared: Given that Crane saw this celestial object near the eastern horizon, it was most likely Betelgeuse. Less likely possibilities include Aldebaran and the planet Mars. Given that Crane saw this celestial object near the eastern horizon, it was most likely Betelgeuse. Less likely possibilities include Aldebaran and the planet Mars.
6 (p. 148) (p. 148) two points off the port bow: two points off the port bow: There are thirty-two points on a mariner"s compa.s.s; here the captain orders the oiler to angle the boat 22.5 degrees off the port bow to compensate for the current. There are thirty-two points on a mariner"s compa.s.s; here the captain orders the oiler to angle the boat 22.5 degrees off the port bow to compensate for the current.
7 (p. 150) " (p. 150) "I never more shall see my own, my native land": This line is from the opening stanza of British poet Caroline Norton"s "Bingen on the Rhine," which was often included in poetry anthologies of the period. land": This line is from the opening stanza of British poet Caroline Norton"s "Bingen on the Rhine," which was often included in poetry anthologies of the period.
8 (p. 154) (p. 154) hanging with his one good hand: hanging with his one good hand: The captain"s calculation causes him to violate his own advice. His broken arm compels him to hang on to the surf-tossed boat in order to increase his chances for survival. The captain"s calculation causes him to violate his own advice. His broken arm compels him to hang on to the surf-tossed boat in order to increase his chances for survival.
9 (p. 155) (p. 155) a scene from Brittany or Algiers a scene from Brittany or Algiers: Brittany is a former province in northwestern France; Algiers is the capital of Algeria, which France had occupied in 1830 and annexed in 1848. Many nineteenth-century French artists, especially Impressionists and proto-Impressionists, painted landscapes and portraits from these regions.
10 (p. 156) (p. 156) he gave a strong pull: he gave a strong pull: In his dispatch, Crane identifies his rescuer as John Kitch.e.l.l, a boatyard manager and ferryman from Daytona Beach. In his dispatch, Crane identifies his rescuer as John Kitch.e.l.l, a boatyard manager and ferryman from Daytona Beach.
11 (p. 156) (p. 156) face downward, lay the oiler: face downward, lay the oiler: Although he was likely struck by the dinghy as the surf thrashed it about, the cause for Billy Higgins"s death was never ascertained. Although he was likely struck by the dinghy as the surf thrashed it about, the cause for Billy Higgins"s death was never ascertained.
The Veteran 1 (p.157) The Veteran: This story was first published in McClure"s Magazine in June 1896 and was collected later that year in The Little Regiment and (p.157) The Veteran: This story was first published in McClure"s Magazine in June 1896 and was collected later that year in The Little Regiment and Other Episodes of the American Civil War. Other Episodes of the American Civil War.
2 (p. 159) old Fleming: Crane employs this phrase in contrast with the epithet "youth" in The Red Badge of Courage. (p. 159) old Fleming: Crane employs this phrase in contrast with the epithet "youth" in The Red Badge of Courage.
3 . (p. 159) . (p. 159) how an orderly sergeant ranked: how an orderly sergeant ranked: An orderly sergeant was a position of great trust in a regiment. Toward the end of An orderly sergeant was a position of great trust in a regiment. Toward the end of The Red Badge of Courage The Red Badge of Courage Fleming had just begun to earn such recognition-he was praised by his superiors for being a "jimhickey." Fleming had just begun to earn such recognition-he was praised by his superiors for being a "jimhickey."
4 (p. 159) little Jim: Another interesting Crane contrast: In (p. 159) little Jim: Another interesting Crane contrast: In The Red Badge of Courage The Red Badge of Courage Jim Conklin was called the "tall soldier," while here his namesake is "little Jim." Jim Conklin was called the "tall soldier," while here his namesake is "little Jim."
5 (p. 160) (p. 160) Sickles"s colt: Sickles"s colt: This is perhaps an allusion to Daniel Sickles; see note 21 to This is perhaps an allusion to Daniel Sickles; see note 21 to The Red Badge of Courage The Red Badge of Courage regarding Fleming"s possible Corps commander. regarding Fleming"s possible Corps commander.
6 (p. 163) the genie of fable: This is an allusion to Arabian myths, such as the story of Aladdin. (p. 163) the genie of fable: This is an allusion to Arabian myths, such as the story of Aladdin.
The Men in the Storm 1 (p. 165) (p. 165) The Men in the Storm: The Men in the Storm: Prior to his success with Prior to his success with The Red Badge of Courage, The Red Badge of Courage, Crane had been making a study of tenement life in New York City while enduring the hardships of poverty himself In late February 1894, the city was experiencing an intense cold snap, with temperatures in the single digits intensified by strong winds. On February 25, as a major snow storm brewed, Crane and a friend dressed in rags and went to the Bowery district. Over the next day, they mingled with homeless men as they waited for free day-old bread from a bakery and then spent the night with them in a flophouse. New York newspapers reported that 14 inches of wind-driven snow had fallen on the city by February 26. Crane"s experiences that night inspired him to compose this story and "An Experiment in Misery" (1894). "The Men in the Storm" was first published in an October 1894 issue of The Crane had been making a study of tenement life in New York City while enduring the hardships of poverty himself In late February 1894, the city was experiencing an intense cold snap, with temperatures in the single digits intensified by strong winds. On February 25, as a major snow storm brewed, Crane and a friend dressed in rags and went to the Bowery district. Over the next day, they mingled with homeless men as they waited for free day-old bread from a bakery and then spent the night with them in a flophouse. New York newspapers reported that 14 inches of wind-driven snow had fallen on the city by February 26. Crane"s experiences that night inspired him to compose this story and "An Experiment in Misery" (1894). "The Men in the Storm" was first published in an October 1894 issue of The Arena Arena and later collected in and later collected in The Open Boat and Other Stories The Open Boat and Other Stories (1898). (1898).
2 (p. 168) (p. 168) the men began to come: the men began to come: Given this subject, one of Crane"s literary influences could have been Bierce"s tale "The Applicant," collected in Given this subject, one of Crane"s literary influences could have been Bierce"s tale "The Applicant," collected in Tales of Soldiers and Civilians Tales of Soldiers and Civilians (1891). (1891).
3 (p. 169) (p. 169) at these times: at these times: The economic event that underlies the story is the Panic of 1893, a crisis of confidence, monetary policy, and unemployment that led to 14,000 commercial failures and 4,000 bank collapses. The rate of unemployment peaked during the summer of 1894, a period marked by violent strikes and strike busting. This economic depression did not end until America"s trade position improved in 1897. The economic event that underlies the story is the Panic of 1893, a crisis of confidence, monetary policy, and unemployment that led to 14,000 commercial failures and 4,000 bank collapses. The rate of unemployment peaked during the summer of 1894, a period marked by violent strikes and strike busting. This economic depression did not end until America"s trade position improved in 1897.
4 . (p. 171) . (p. 171) the Prince of Wales the Prince of Wales : In 1894 Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was widely known for his distinctive whiskers. He acceded to the British throne as Edward VII in 1901. : In 1894 Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was widely known for his distinctive whiskers. He acceded to the British throne as Edward VII in 1901.
5 . (p. 171) . (p. 171) us poor Indians: us poor Indians: This metaphorical allusion may be the product of Crane"s friendship with author Hamlin Garland (1860-1940), who at the turn of the century sympathetically depicted the plight of Native Americans in his fiction and elsewhere. This metaphorical allusion may be the product of Crane"s friendship with author Hamlin Garland (1860-1940), who at the turn of the century sympathetically depicted the plight of Native Americans in his fiction and elsewhere.
INSPIRED BY THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE.
I get a little tired of saying, "Is this true?"-Stephen Crane, to his biographer Thomas Beer Rarely has the marriage of literature and the subject of war been more successful than in The Red Badge of Courage, The Red Badge of Courage, and perhaps that is because Stephen Crane regarded himself first and foremost as a realist. Explaining the blurred line between fiction and nonfiction in his writing, he stated, "I decided that the nearer a writer gets to life the greater he becomes as an artist, and most of my prose writings have been toward the goal partially described by that misunderstood and abused word, realism." and perhaps that is because Stephen Crane regarded himself first and foremost as a realist. Explaining the blurred line between fiction and nonfiction in his writing, he stated, "I decided that the nearer a writer gets to life the greater he becomes as an artist, and most of my prose writings have been toward the goal partially described by that misunderstood and abused word, realism."