1. “A Mystery of Heroism”
By Stephen Crane

2. Explain how each characteristic applies to this story.
Naturalism
Explain how each characteristic applies to this story.
Characteristic of Naturalism
How does the characteristic apply to the story?
1. common people and ordinary life
 The story focuses on common soldiers in battle, instead of generals or leaders in meetings. The plot is about ordinary soldiers’ lives and need for water.
2. accuracy of details
 Crane gives very specific and accurate details to add to realism of the scenes. He describes how the men looked, the horror of death, and the landscape.
3. effects of natural and social forces
 Natural need: thirst, need for water
Social Forces: his friends challenge him and continue to provoke him.
4. fate beyond individual’s control
 The story shows a battle with bullets and bombs flying everywhere. Collins goes to the well and returns safely, but survived only because of luck, not because of skill or courage.

3. How would you explain the title/theme of the story?
Heroism is complex and puzzling. Collins’ spontaneous decision to help the wounded officer was more heroic than his deliberate attempt to get water.