A mystery of heroism

Literary Analysis of "A Mystery of Heroism"
The short story "A Mystery of Heroism” seems to convey much about Stephen Crane's antipathy towards war and the concept of heroism. Crane was against the war movement and many parts of this story reflect his unconventional views. His message is that of the senselessness of war and how men are persuaded by propaganda to believe the glory of battle is worth their lives. The entire story of the soldier's quest for water from the well is actually an allegory for the futility of war.. When Collins' superior officers are discussing his fetching the water in the middle of the battle, one of them says, " We ain't dyin' of thirst, are we? That's foolishness.” This statement contradic...