Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Stephen Crane’s Last Words
“My death is certain.”— Stephen Crane, June 5, 1900
Who Was Stephen Crane?
Stephen Crane was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for The Red Badge of Courage, written before he had ever seen battle.
The Final Moments
Crane died at a health resort in Germany. He had gone there in hopes of recovering from tuberculosis.
Are These Words Verified?
Disputed and poorly sourced. Multiple contradictory accounts exist of Crane's final words; this version appears in some sources but lacks strong firsthand verification.
Sources
- other Cora Crane accounts
- biography Various biographies
Legacy
The Red Badge of Courage is considered the first modern American war novel. Crane wrote it at age 22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Stephen Crane’s last words?
“My death is certain.”
How did Stephen Crane die?
Stephen Crane died on June 5, 1900 at the age of 28. Cause of death: Tuberculosis.
Were Stephen Crane’s last words documented?
Disputed and poorly sourced. Multiple contradictory accounts exist of Crane's final words; this version appears in some sources but lacks strong firsthand verification.
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