“An Episode of War” by Stephen Crane

Wrote The Red Badge of Courage as well as five other novels, more than a hundred stories, and numerous newspaper articles Known for having a style of realism in writing Fascinated with “war” writing, particularly the Civil War Stephen Crane 1871-1900

Author’s Influences An author’s influences are the cultural and historical factors that affect his or her writing. Take these steps to connect a literary work to its author’s heritage, attitudes, and beliefs: Read biographical information about the author’s important life experiences and cultural background. When reading, note details that show his or her values. Note references to historical events or cultural influences that may have shaped these values. Then, make inferences from these details to determine the effect of culture and history on the author’s views.

Influences Stephen Crane's fascination with the Civil War was one of the influences on his life and his writing. Read this passage from "An Episode of War." What may have contributed to Crane's writing of this passage? “A wound gives strange dignity to him who bears it.… His comrades look at him with large eyes thoughtfully.” Consider: how would Crane know the reactions of men when their friends are wounded? Crane didn’t fight in this war-how could he have information such as this? Crane interviewed many Civil War veterans about being wounded.

Influences What may have contributed to Crane's writing of this passage? “He came upon some stragglers, and they told him how to find the field hospital. They described its exact location.” Consider: If Crane wasn’t in battle, how might he know about the way the battlefield was set-up? The locations of everything? Crane examined maps of battle fields and reviewed battle plans.

Influences What may have contributed to Crane's writing of this passage? “A battery, a tumultuous and shining mass, was swirling toward the right. The wild thud of hoofs, the cries of the riders shouting blame and praise, menace and encouragement … brought the lieutenant to an intent pause.” Consider: How would Crane know what the sounds of battle were like? Crane read first-hand accounts of the fighting to get an accurate picture of war.

Purpose for Reading To learn something new To find out additional information To amuse or challenge yourself To gain insight into another person’s point of view

Purpose What purpose would you set for reading further after reading this passage? "I guess I won't have it amputated," he said. "Nonsense, man! Nonsense! Nonsense!" cried the doctor. "Come along, now. I won't amputate it. Come along. Don't be a baby."

Purpose Which purpose for reading would readers most likely set after reading this passage from "An Episode of War"? “… when suddenly the lieutenant cried out and looked quickly at a man near him as if he suspected it was a case of personal assault. The others cried out also when they saw blood upon the lieutenant's sleeve.”

Purpose for Reading Once you have set a purpose for reading, you determine what your focus will be when you read. Once you have set a purpose, adjust your reading rate to best meet that goal. Reading for information: Read slowly and carefully. After completing a difficult or important passage, think about what you have read. If necessary, read it again. Reading for entertainment: Read more quickly. You may reread or linger over certain passages, but studying the text is less important.

Stephen Crane’s writings on war are realistic and descriptive Stephen Crane’s writings on war are realistic and descriptive. They show wartime from the point of view of the ordinary soldier. How else is war portrayed in books, movies, and video games? Compare Crane’s view of war in “An Episode of War” with another point of view about war with which you are familiar.

The central event in “An Episode of War” is the lieutenant's wound and what happens afterward. What is unexpected about this situation? Explain why certain parts of this story are not what a reader might expect.

Thinking about the “Big Question”: Are yesterday's heroes important today? Write a brief essay to answer the following question: What do you think a soldier today could learn from the experiences of a Civil War hero like the lieutenant in “An Episode of War”? Support your response by using examples from the story.