SHORT STORY SERIES - The Veteran by Stephen Crane

This one is long overdue. I have been focused on reading long-original form books that I completely neglected my first true love; short stories :). I was able to settle for this book by Stephen Crane (not because he shares my name xd.) because of its straightforward title. It's a rule of thumb with books. When you see a book with a direct and short title, it usually packs a punch. The author also wrote a preceding novel the red badge so this feels like a sequel. If this story is anything to go by, then the novel would be great.

The story starts off in a cool and tranquil setting when Henry Flemming, a war veteran was sitting amongst folks from his community. He was sharing stories of his wartime and a question was thrown at him asking if he was ever afraid in battle. He answered that he had been scared before and the community folks laughed as it felt rather strange and wonderful that a man of such courage and experience would be afraid. It all filled them with more admiration for him, but his grandson Jimmie felt crushed. Fast-forward to later that day, Henry was having his rest when a hired man of his came to tell him that his barn was on fire. His face was filled with terror and he ran into the barn. There were a lot of animals all caught inside the flame and so the race against time to save the animals began.

This was a very impressive story. Right from the beginning to the very end. The opening scenes had this chill, tranquil atmosphere that gave no hints of the tragedy that was to come. The complete paradox of the event is a marvel. It had that typical short story effect that gives you a rush of emotions. A great piece of literature by Stephen Crane. Oddly, unlike most other war stories, this one gave the idea of a peaceful aftermath of the war with the starting scenes. What is really notable in this story is the themes that are touched on. One of which is the Power of Nature. In the beginning, everything was all chill and peaceful, but in later scenes, we saw a razing fire that was destructive. Another theme that could easily go under the radar is the idealism of youth or should I say the romanticizing of war. Young Flemming was pretty disappointed that his grandfather was scared in battle. He had a perfect picture of war that one is never afraid and just nosedives into battle. Reality can be hard.