I define heroism as humanity at its best, someone who bravely puts they’re all into improving the lives of others. Likewise, a coward is one who is cares only for himself, and is willing to put others at risk in order to maintain his well being. Beowulf is an example of a traditional hero, because he bravely put himself in grave danger to defeat the evil Grendel. Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter is a hero, as she continues to live her life despite her disgrace so she can provide for her child.
Henry shows cowardice by running away from the battle. A true hero would have stayed and fought to protect his friends and his self-respect, but Henry thinks of neither of these things. In his first fight, Henry feels like a cog in a great machine. Ironically in his second fight, he turns and calls his comrades “Methodical idiots! Machine-like fools!” Henry suddenly loses that feeling of connection with his comrades, and flees. Although his side is winning, he believed the enemy was more powerful than him, forgetting that he was not the only man on the field that was fighting for his life. He selfishly and cowardly flees the battle, keeping his body in tact, but shredding his self-respect.
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