The Red Badge of Courage

What do you think Crane is stating about how Henry will live his life in the future?

In the last chapter of the book, Crane remarks of Henry, "He would no more stand upon places high and false." In light of Henry's impression of war before he enlisted and faced an actual battle, what do you think Crane is stating about how Henry will live his life in the future?

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I think Henry will be a man of honour and humble in both his aspirations and his achievements. Henry has discovered that bravado has no place in war or life. Henry also sees that doing ones job and living one's life with determination and humility is the only honest way to carry on.

"Places high and false" refer to Henry's idealistic views of war and courage. Initially, he never doubted that he would grapple with whether or not he was courageous. Crane is stating that from now on, Henry will live his life in a way that reflects a maturity that comes from having been brought low and having been tested to reveal the truth of himself.