Final answer:
Stephen Crane provides a realistic and naturalistic depiction of war, underscoring the brutality, chaos, and psychological toll on soldiers, rather than portraying it as a heroic spectacle. His stories emphasize the randomness of survival and the indifference of nature to human struggle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stephen Crane's Views on War
Stephen Crane's literary works, such as The Red Badge of Courage and The Open Boat, demonstrate a complex view of war that goes beyond glorifying the battles and heroism often associated with it. Crane delves into the psychological experiences of soldiers, the indifference of nature to human affairs, and the concept of survival. His stories portray war not as a stage for heroism but as a challenging realm where characters confront their vulnerabilities, fears, and the randomness of life and death situations. This outlook can be aligned more with the American Literary Naturalism movement, which highlights characters at odds with uncontrollable natural forces.
In Crane's war stories, readers encounter characters who are forced into situations where their preconceived notions of valor and glory are shattered by the harsh realities of war. The protagonists often struggle with internal conflicts and the morality of their actions in the face of battle. Equally, the characters are depicted not as masters of their fate but rather as insignificant participants in a greater, more indifferent natural order. The detailed and visceral descriptions of battle in Crane's works showcase the gruesome realities and the psychological turmoil experienced by soldiers.
Crane's works do not celebrate war but instead expose its brutal nature and the toll it takes on individuals. By exploring these themes, Crane contributes to a more nuanced and realistic understanding of the human experience of