Faith's Fantastical Fanfare Blog

       Ok, this is probably because we just read The Red Badge of Courage, but one thing that I wondered about was the sergeant standing on the other side of the plank holding Peyton up. Do you think this was his first hanging? He steps off so calmly when the captain gives the nod but I wonder if there was an internal battle going on. Maybe his job depended on that decision. We don't really know the answers but just thoughts. :)

  As he pushes open the gate and passes up the wide white walk he sees a flutter of female garments; his wife, looking fresh and cool and sweet, steps down from the veranda to meet him. At the bottom of the steps she stands waiting, with a smile of ineffable joy, an attitude of matchless grace and dignity. (Chapter #3 page 19)       This was the first hint I caught that something was a little off in the story. I did not know what yet but something wasn't quite right. I don't know about you guys but if my husband just barely escaped a hanging, was shot at, and injured I wouldn't be so calm and just stand there. Her calm composure was a result of his imagination. He was imagining her how he wanted to see her, not how she would be in reality. Was this a red flag for anyone else or just me;) ?