What is the significance of the Rainy River?
The Rainy River would serve as a symbol of how TIm could not bring himself to be brave enough. Another important chapter that Tim O’Brien uses these literary devices to get this central idea across is in the chapter “Speaking of Courage”.
What is on the Rainy River about in The Things They Carried?
Lesson Summary A short story from that collection, called ‘On the Rainy River,’ gives us the backstory on how Tim, our protagonist, became one of those soldiers. Major themes of this story include the Vietnam War, courage, right and wrong, and memory and truth.
Why did Obrien decide to go to war?
Why does O’Brien decide to go to war? He believes in the cause. He’s too embarrassed not to. He doesn’t want to go to jail.
What is the moral of on the Rainy River?
In his short story, “On the Rainy River”, Tim O’Brien demonstrates that if an individual faces a major moral crisis that affects their dreams for the future, they must trust their intellect, emotions and identity to direct their course of action.
What does on the Rainy River Tell us about courage?
The man initially decided to run away from war to Canada but stopped at the last moment crossing the Rainy River to return and demonstrate his courage. He was regretting his being a coward but the only way to prove that he was not was to go to that war.
What is the irony in on the Rainy River?
The irony within this story is the fact that despite his best efforts to avoid entering the Vietnam War, O’Brien is still forced into entering the war at the end of the story.
What does Elroy symbolize in on the Rainy River?
O’Brien uses Elroy to show that many Americans were dubious of the war’s necessity and benefit. He also serves as a reminder of what a hero can look like to Tim, a quiet but strong man who allows others to make important choices for themselves.
Why hasn’t o’Brien ever told the story on the Rainy River?
Why hasn’t O’Brien ever told the story “On the Rainy River”? Why does he decide to do so now? He thought it would only cause embarrassment for all of them.
What does courage mean to Tim in on the Rainy River?
It is evident that O’Brien’s definition of having the courage and being brave was to stand up for what you believe is right, not to follow along with everyone else because you are afraid of what others might think about you.
What is the purpose of the scene Tim imagines on the banks of the Rainy River?
What is the purpose of the scene Tim imagines on the banks of the Rainy River? The moment he made the decision to go to Canada.
What is ironic about what happens to Curt Lemon at the rocket pocket?
His death is ridiculous and points out the uselessness of bravery. The irony of Lemon’s character is that Lemon so abjectly fears something as generally harmless as a dentist’s visit and doesn’t give a second thought to the potential harm of playing with a grenade. Read more about Curt Lemon.