The Red Badge of Courage
by Stephen Crane

The Red Badge of Courage: Allegory 1 key example

Definition of Allegory

An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... read full definition
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Jim's Death:

After fleeing from his first battle, Henry encounters a group of wounded men retreating, including his friend Jim, who has been fatally shot and is dying. In describing Jim’s final moments, Crane creates an allegory of Jesus Christ’s death: 

Suddenly, his form stiffened and straightened. Then it was shaken by a prolonged ague. He stared into space. To the two watchers there was a curious and profound dignity in the firm lines of his awful face.