Color symbolism in The Red Badge of Courage

Though it is obvious that Steven Crane's novel entitled The Red Badge of Courage is centered on one specific symbolic focal point, it is quite easy for the reader to look deeper into the title in search of another meaningful symbol. After much contemplation I realized that Crane uses color imagery as a symbol for many features within the story. Many specific colors were present more than once and often used for a certain representation …

…Henry, as well as the author, feels and thinks. Because Crane uses color deliberately and carefully, each takes on a meaning of its own. Not only do they represent youth, battle, death, and defeat, but they also embody an author's ability to be creative. This allows the reader to examine meaningful and significant signs and emblems within literature. The authors knowledgeable use of similes and descriptions make the novel that much more interesting to read.