The Red Badge of Courage

is chapter 17 the climax of the story give reason why or why not

chapter 17

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

Henry has certainly come full circle by chapter 17. Though still "the youth," Henry has changed from the day before. At the beginning of the fight that day, he is no longer thinking of the metaphoric monsters and war gods that threaten to eat him up. There is no large metaphor that he gives flesh and life. There is only an opposing army, coming at him in his position with an energy he does not feel and cannot understand. This fills him with rage, instead of fear. While he thinks of them in bestial ways, as having "teeth and claws" and being "flies sucking insolently at his blood," they are still men of some type. This is an important change from the day before. Given that the force he faces is of men and not mythical beasts, Henry is more likely to actually be brave.Yes, this looks and feels like a climax to me.

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-red-badge-of-courage/study-guide/section5/