Everyone has dreams. Some people dream of great things, fame and fortune, supernatural abilities, world peace. Others dream of simpler things, respect among peers, the ability to hold a job, peace in their lives. Dreams, while they can be a great motivator, can also end up discouraging us. In this article I will look at how dreams have been great motivators, how they can be great discouragers, and some possible causes of the different outcomes. This will serve to show people that dreams can motivate or discourage people under the right circumstances. Looking at Henry Fleming in The Red Badge of Courage, it is obvious to see that he chose to go to war because of his dreams of becoming a hero. . For example, Stephen wrote referring to his dreams before going into battle: "He had imagined the people safe in the shadow of his eagle-eyed prowess" (ch. I p. 2). This later proved to be a great source of motivation for Henry. He even made him a great soldier who was ultimately admired, as shown at the end of a battle: "Some of the men murmured and looked at the young man...