I. Introduction
This thesis analyzes the main characters, Mary from "Three Miraculous Soldiers" and Mr. Fleming from "The Veteran," in Stephen Crane's short stories. It employs a qualitative methodology with a focus on character analysis, examining their traits and how they portray the war experience. The study's significance lies in enriching literary studies and enhancing understanding of Crane's works. The research questions explore the characteristics of these two main characters. Pedagogically, this analysis can be used to demonstrate methods of close reading, character analysis, and thematic interpretation in literary studies.
II. Theoretical Framework
This section establishes the theoretical underpinnings of the analysis. It defines character in literature, differentiating between major and minor characters, static and dynamic characters, and flat and round characters. Different approaches to characterization—direct, indirect, through action, dialogue, and thought—are discussed. The theoretical framework provides a lens for interpreting the characters' actions, motivations, and development within their respective narratives. This section highlights the importance of understanding various character types and characterization techniques in literary analysis, providing valuable pedagogical tools for students.
III. Research Findings
This section presents the analysis of Mary and Mr. Fleming's characteristics. It examines their individual traits, drawing direct textual evidence from the short stories to support the claims. The analysis explores both similarities and differences in their personalities, focusing on how their distinct traits shape their responses to the war setting. The analysis will reveal how both characters represent aspects of human experience under duress, creating opportunities for classroom discussions of themes like courage, fear, and compassion.
3.1 Mary's Characteristic
The analysis of Mary highlights her contrasting traits of fear and kindness. Her fear stems from the war's disruption and the presence of soldiers. However, her kindness is evident in her actions towards the three miraculous soldiers, offering them food and shelter, demonstrating compassion even amidst her fear. This juxtaposition of fear and compassion exemplifies the complexity of the human response to trauma and conflict. This offers a rich pedagogical example of analyzing contradictory traits within a single character.
3.2 Mr. Fleming's Characteristic
The analysis of Mr. Fleming focuses on his bravery, care, and honesty. His bravery is showcased in his courageous act of saving animals from a burning barn, reflecting his past as a soldier. His care is shown in his concern for the well-being of others and the animals. His honesty is demonstrated through his self-reflection on his own fears in battle. This analysis helps students understand how actions and narratives reveal character traits, providing a case study for identifying and interpreting subtle character development.
IV. Conclusion and Suggestion
This section summarizes the key findings of the analysis, reiterating the prominent characteristics of Mary and Mr. Fleming. It discusses the similarities and differences between the two characters and concludes with suggestions for future research. The conclusion emphasizes the pedagogical value of studying these characters as examples of nuanced character development and the complexities of human behavior within a historical and literary context. This section provides a model for constructing clear, concise, and impactful conclusions in academic writing.
V. Bibliography
This section lists all the sources cited in the thesis, following a consistent citation style. This section serves as a model for proper academic citation practices.
