When does the red badge courage take place

Messalla frowns at the wide circular cover, for a moment returning to his own fussy world.

How can you avoid the problem of groupthink? a. by choosing a group leader to direct the group b. by composing the team of only like-minded individuals c. by encouraging all members to voice their opinions d. by keeping quiet when you disagree with another group member's opinion

In the song mallam sile sings in lines 113 through 130 the knife probably represents