Thesis

Wilson, the loud soldier, is loud to cover up the quiet, sensitive soldier that he really is.

• “The youth took note of a remarkable change in his comrade since those days of camp life upon the river bank” (Crane 14.12). Henry noticed how the loud soldier was no longer loud at all, he showed quiet belief in his purpose and abilities. He is also showing his sensitive side and how he can be caring by cooking supper, tending to his comrades, and just not using swear words when he talks (which he was known for earlier at the camp). Wilson is noticeably changed from the person he was before and it is for the good.

• “His friend, perceiving him to be awake, came from the fire. "Well, Henry, ol' man, how do yeh feel this mornin'?" he demanded. The youth yawned again. Then he puckered his mouth to a little pucker. His head, in truth, felt precisely like a melon, and there was an unpleasant sensation at his stomach. "Oh, Lord, I feel pretty bad," he said. "Thunder!" exclaimed the other. "I hoped ye'd feel all right this mornin'. Let's see th' bandage--I guess it's slipped” (Crane 14.7-10). Henry awoke and felt like he had been sleeping for one hundred years; Wilson saw that he was awake after Henry cried out. Wilson went over to Henry and tended to his head and fixed his bandage and helps sit him up. Wilson asked Henry how he was feeling and of course Henry’s reply was that he was feeling horrible, Wilson suggested that he get some food. Henry couldn’t believe how caring and sensitive the loud young soldier was, Henry was very happy that he had someone there for him.

• “At the fireside the loud young soldier watched over his comrade's wants with tenderness and care. He was very busy marshaling the little black vagabonds of tin cups and pouring into them the streaming iron colored mixture from a small and sooty tin pail. He had some fresh meat, which he roasted hurriedly on a stick”(Crane 14.11). Wilson was awake along before the others were fast asleep, roasting meat on a stick and using tin pots to cook a steaming mixture. As the others awoke he served them and also brought some to Henry with glee.