A Mystery of Heroism

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Savannah McKenna Mrs. Geidel AP English Pd 2 2 March 2013 "A Mystery of Heroism": The True Meaning of Heroism "All even at best, are masters merely of their own visionary worlds" (Beaver para. 14). In the story "A Mystery of Heroism" by Stephen Crane, nothing distinguishes Fred Collins from the rest of his regiment. Though a comment saying that he wishes he had a drink of water elicits the taunts of his fellow soldiers and there he converts a foolhardy gesture into a noble one. In "In a Mystery of Heroism" Stephen Crane uses the stylistic techniques of irony, dialogue, and realism, to create the theme of heroism. The stylistic technique irony created the theme of heroism in this mystery of heroism. The literary critic George Monteiro who wrote the article "After the Red Badger: Mysteries of Heroism, Death, and Burial in Stephen Crane's Fiction" says, "Fred Collins allows himself into performing a foolish dangerous act" (para. 8). The idea of dramatic irony since Collins is unknowing of this dangerous journey while the audience and his comrades are. The literary critic Frank Gado who wrote the article "Introduction" quotes, "The streaking artillery shells emphasizing the probability of death or mutilation should the men leave the safety of the clay bank" (para. 42). This dangerous expedition means nothing compared to Collin's arrogance to improve the other soldiers, to show and make him a "hero". The technique irony and dialogue both focus on one or more characters. The stylistic technique dialogue helped create the theme of heroism in this mystery of heroism. Fred Collins tells his comrades, "Darn yeh! I ain't afraid t'go. If yeh say much, I will go!" (Crane para. 21). His relationship with his comrades do not seem all that great, so to him coming back a hero will make and give him respect, in his eyes. His Colonel tells Collins this when he asks for
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