"The Little Regiment" is a short story written by Stephen Crane, an American author and journalist. The story is set during the American Civil War and focuses on a small group of Union soldiers, referred to as "The Little Regiment," who are tasked with defending a position against Confederate troops. The story begins with a description of the soldiers as they wait for the enemy to attack. The soldiers are nervous and uncertain, but they are also determined to do their duty. As the attack begins, the soldiers fire back, but their position is quickly overrun. The soldiers retreat, but they are eventually able to regroup and hold off the Confederates. Throughout the story, Crane explores themes of fear, bravery, and the harsh realities of war. He also portrays the soldiers as individuals, each with their own thoughts, feelings, and fears. Despite the soldiers' courage, the story ends on a somber note, as the surviving soldiers reflect on the loss of their comrades and the toll that war has taken on them. Overall, "The Little Regiment" is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the human cost of war, and it remains a classic of American literature.
Stephen Crane was born on November 1, 1871, in America. He was known for his short story, novels, and poems. He produced many stories novels and poems that are still recognized by modern critics. Crane was the ninth child of Methodist parents. He started writing at the age of four and by sixteen many of his works got published. He wasn't much interested in studies but had a great interest in fraternity. In 1891, he left Syracuse University and started working as a reporter and writer. He wrote his first novel in 1893 which was a Bowery tale, named Maggie: A Girl of the Streets. He won awards for the novel The Red Badge of Courage which was based on the Civil War that he wrote in 1895, without any war experience. In 1896, Crane endured a highly publicized scandal after appearing as a witness at the trial of a suspected prostitute, an acquaintance named Dora Clark. Later in the same year, he traveled to Cuba as a war correspondent. At the age of 28 Crane died due to tuberculosis in a Black Forest sanatorium in Germany. Crane was an important figure in American literature during the time of his death.
