Wahaishi 1 Zuhair Wahaishi Ms. Warzecha ENG 4U 24 June 2023 On the Rainy River: Analysis The story "On the Rainy River" by Tim O'Brien portrays his poignant experience of being drafted into the Vietnam War, evoking various emotions in the reader. At the age of 21, O'Brien faced anger and fear upon receiving the draft notice, compelling him to contemplate running away to avoid combat. However, he encountered conflicts along the way that made it challenging to escape his fate, ultimately leading him to serve his term. Despite labelling himself a "coward," O'Brien's decision to leave his life behind and fulfill his duty in the war displays persistence rather than cowardice. First, the last sentence of this story was, “I survived, but it’s not a happy ending. I was a coward. I went to the war” (O’Brien 897). This is ironic because he’s not being a coward in this situation whatsoever. In his words he said, “I was drafted to fight a war I hated.” (O’Brien 883). The irony lies in O'Brien's perception of himself as a coward, which contradicts the reality of his situation. He was drafted to fight a war he despised, an overwhelming and frightening experience, especially for someone young. Although he considered crossing the border to evade the war, he ultimately stayed and fought. This demonstrates his possession of courage, bravery, and persistence throughout the journey. Thus, he proved that he was not a coward but someone willing to endure the challenges imposed on him. Wahaishi 2 Furthermore, O'Brien's remorse for initially attempting to escape the situation further exemplifies his lack of cowardice. He expresses regret and shame, acknowledging the burden he carried for over twenty years, “For more than twenty years I've had to live with it, feeling the shame, trying to push it away; and so by this act of remembrance, by putting the facts down on paper, I'm hoping to relieve at least some of the pressure on my dreams” (O’ Brien 883) By recounting his story, he aims to alleviate the weight of his dreams. Despite the regrets and sacrifices, O'Brien chose to fulfill his duty, leaving behind his previous life. This showcases his bravery and fortitude, especially considering he was only twenty-one years old. Describing himself as a coward is ironic, as O'Brien emerges as a brave and courageous character in the narrative. He abandoned everything, including his loved ones, to face the challenges of war head-on. True cowardice would have entailed fleeing to another country to evade the draft, but O'Brien confronted his responsibilities. Readers of "On the Rainy River" can draw inspiration from the theme of persistence portrayed in the story. O'Brien's remarkable perseverance serves as a valuable lesson. It is an attribute that should be admired, alongside the bravery displayed by those who faced their draft obligations without running away. Such determination requires immense courage. In conclusion, Tim O'Brien's "On the Rainy River" provides a deeply moving account of his personal journey as a young man facing the draft during the Vietnam War. Through his heartfelt narrative, O'Brien challenges the notion of cowardice by revealing his inner struggles, conflicts, and ultimate decision to fulfill his duty. The story highlights the complexities of war, the weight of individual choices, and the resilience of the human spirit. O'Brien's self-perception as a coward is overshadowed by his unwavering determination and the sacrifices he made. His story resonates with readers, inviting reflection on themes of courage, perseverance, and the Wahaishi 3 moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the grip of war. By sharing his experiences, O'Brien prompts us to question our own judgments and preconceived notions.
