1. Symbolism: The most prominent symbol is the red badge of courage itself. It doesn't appear physically in the chapter, but its absence, and the way it weighs on Henry's mind, is significant. The badge represents bravery, but also the anxieties associated with it.
2. Imagery: Crane's descriptions are incredibly vivid, using sensory details to create powerful imagery:
* Visual: "The blue haze of the smoke of the distant battle hung low in the air."
* Auditory: "The drummers, with many rolls and flourishes, pounded at the air, the big drums booming like thunder."
* Tactile: "The ground was covered with a thick layer of soft, gray dust."
3. Foreshadowing: Crane subtly foreshadows the conflict and anxieties to come. Henry's obsession with the red badge, his fear of being called a coward, and the descriptions of the battle's aftermath set the stage for his internal struggle.
4. Internal Monologue: Crane utilizes Henry's thoughts and feelings to reveal his character and motivations. This allows the reader to understand his internal conflict and anxieties:
* "The red badge of courage was a visible symbol of bravery, but it also made Henry feel inadequate."
* "He wanted to be a hero, but he was afraid of being killed."
5. Personification: Crane uses personification to give life to the inanimate:
* "The drums pounded at the air, as if they were trying to break through the silence."
* "The smoke hung low in the air, like a shroud."
Therefore, it's not about identifying a *single* literary device but recognizing how Crane weaves them together to paint a poignant portrait of a young man's internal struggle on the eve of battle.