Analysis of "On the Rainy River" in O'Brien's "The Things They Carried"

Introduction

The short story "On the Rainy River" serves as a pivotal chapter within William Timothy O'Brien's memoir, "The Things They Carried." This narrative piece chronicles O'Brien's dual perspective as both a present-day author and a young man grappling with a draft notice during the Vietnam War era. In "On the Rainy River," O'Brien masterfully employs symbolism, a powerful tone, a reflective first-person point of view, narrative devices, and a recurring theme of courage. Through these literary elements, O'Brien explores the profound significance of individual bravery in the face of societal expectations and moral dilemmas.

Symbolism: The Rainy River's Religious Undertone

In the short story, O'Brien artfully utilizes symbolism to illustrate the religious connotations associated with the Rainy River, a watercourse that demarcates the border between Minnesota and Canada. This geographical divide becomes a crucible that tests O'Brien's resolve—whether to enlist in the Vietnam War or flee. O'Brien vividly describes the Rainy River as a place where "the cold sprayed against [his] face as [they] passed into Canadian waters, across that dotted line between two different worlds" (O'Brien 1012).

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Here, the Rainy River symbolizes a baptism of sorts, signifying O'Brien's rebirth into a new world. The water serves as a metaphor for purity and renewal, encapsulating the transformative power of embracing a new identity.

This symbol carries profound significance within the narrative, as it mirrors O'Brien's internal struggle. Faced with the choice between a life in exile, filled with fear of the U.S. government, and a life marred by the horrors of war he vehemently opposes, O'Brien grapples with the moral dilemma of his era.

The author's deft use of symbolism allows readers to discern the evolution of O'Brien's perspective as he escapes to Canada, where fear ultimately bestows upon him the courage to confront the impending war.

Susan Farrell astutely points out in "The Vietnam in Me" that the young narrator, despite his moral opposition to the war, finds himself unable to defy societal expectations and traditions. He fears the judgment and condemnation he might face should he choose to evade the draft, compelling him to grapple with the burden of family and societal expectations. This inner conflict underscores the theme of courage—having the fortitude to question one's convictions and make choices that align with personal beliefs despite external pressures.

Tone: The Overarching Fear

Throughout the short story, O'Brien carefully crafts a tone of fear that permeates the narrative. He reflects upon his own cowardice and dreads the potential consequences of his actions. O'Brien's fear manifests in vivid ways—he experiences sleepless nights haunted by visions of border patrols and helicopters chasing him, envisions himself fleeing through dense woods while being pursued by police, and grapples with a deep sense of sorrow, guilt, and regret for leaving his homeland and not enlisting in the war (O'Brien 1009).

This pervasive tone of fear adds depth to the exploration of courage within the narrative. It invites readers to contemplate the origins of this fear and how the character's courage ultimately surmounts it. O'Brien openly acknowledges his own fear, stating that he "was no soldier" and listing his aversion to dirt, mosquitoes, and the sight of blood (O'Brien 1003). Bobbie Ann Mason aptly observes that the narrator's lengthy litany of complaints and grievances serves to underscore the constant conditions of fear and apprehension that define the characters' experiences. This tone of constant unease amplifies the anxiety surrounding future events and decisions.

Point of View: A Personal Journey

O'Brien employs a first-person point of view in the short story, affording him the opportunity to convey his internal emotions and reflections throughout the narrative. Through this narrative perspective, O'Brien candidly shares his views on the war, describing it as a conflict marked by uncertainty and a lack of purpose. He questions whether it is a civil war, a war of national liberation, or simply an act of aggression (O'Brien 1002).

In "The Things They Carried," the primary narrative perspective rests with Tim O'Brien himself, who serves as both the protagonist and the central narrator. This focalization allows O'Brien to offer readers not only a firsthand account but also his personal reflections and memories, enriching the storyline. The first-person narrative lends credibility to the story, as it enables the narrator to recount past events and speculate about future outcomes. O'Brien describes a visceral experience, stating that he felt something "break open in [his] chest" and vividly conveying his emotional rupture (O'Brien 1006).

The use of flashbacks is a prominent narrative device within the short story. O'Brien seamlessly transitions between the past and present tenses, providing readers with insights into his personal experiences and reflections. This narrative technique allows for a deeper understanding of the events and their profound impact on his life.

In "On the Rainy River," the use of flashbacks serves as a literary device that creates shifts and reflective moments within the narrative. O'Brien artfully weaves these flashbacks into the story to provide deeper insights into his emotional journey. He vividly recalls the year 1968 when he walked out of his house to leave for Canada. During this poignant moment, he meticulously observed all his familiar possessions, realizing that he was leaving behind not only his belongings but also his entire life (O'Brien 1006). This flashback enhances the profound meaning of his separation from the life he had known, highlighting the deep emotional attachment he had to his home country.

Within this context, O'Brien's internal conflict of whether to stay or go lingers palpably. He finds himself emotionally tethered to the chrome toaster, the telephone, and the brilliant sunshine that once filled his room. Through these recollections, O'Brien incorporates past events that contribute both meaning and sentiment to his narrative. Susan Farrell aptly notes that "[t]he [short story] alternates between present-day narration and the scenes that take place during 1968. . . [these] flashbacks explain how O'Brien arrived at his present circumstances."

The author's use of flashbacks throughout the story allows readers to visualize the shifts in his voice and the evolution of his views between the past and the present. O'Brien strategically employs these flashbacks to create a sense of pathos toward the protagonist. He candidly expresses the hardships of his decision to leave behind his life in the United States in favor of a life in hiding in Canada. O'Brien's recollection of moments like "self-pity," aimless drives around town, and overwhelming feelings of guilt and sorrow (O'Brien 1003-4) paints a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil he experienced. His transparency regarding his emotional struggles aims to garner readers' sympathy, inviting them to empathize with the inner conflict that tore at his core.

As Werlock points out, O'Brien's imagined scenario of people, real and imaginary, on both shores of the Rainy River encouraging him one way or the other underscores the fear of shame that holds him back from making the ultimate decision to swim to Canada (Werlock). This fear is palpable in the narrative, as O'Brien candidly admits to moments of breakdown and self-pity. He describes his emotional state, recounting how he "sat in the bow of the boat and cried," with the tears growing louder and more intense (O'Brien 1016). Through these emotional episodes, O'Brien invites readers to connect with his distress and vulnerability, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.

Themes of Courage and Cowardice

Throughout "On the Rainy River," O'Brien masterfully presents the interplay between themes of courage and cowardice. He grapples with a moral dilemma, describing it as a form of "schizophrenia" and a "moral split" (O'Brien 1005). O'Brien's internal struggle is evident as he oscillates between the fear of war, the prospect of exile, and the weight of walking away from his entire history. He is haunted by the potential loss of respect from his parents, the implications of breaking the law, and the looming specter of ridicule and censure.

Bloom's observation that the narrator's reluctance to share this story may stem from the fear of revealing his weaknesses adds depth to O'Brien's portrayal of courage and cowardice (Bloom). O'Brien is torn between two worlds, each marked by conflicting values and expectations. His fear of shame and the emotional burden it carries paralyze him, preventing him from making a decisive choice. The narrative delves into the complexities of his inner turmoil and highlights the universal human struggle to reconcile personal convictions with societal pressures.

Shame is a recurring theme throughout the short story. O'Brien opens the narrative by acknowledging that he has never shared this story before due to the profound shame and embarrassment he would feel if he did (O'Brien 1009-10). His shame is deeply rooted in the perceived weakness of his conscience and his struggle to do what he believes is the right thing. O'Brien dreads the indignity and humiliation he would face from his friends, family, and people of importance if he were to evade the draft. His visualization of people on the riverbanks urging him in different directions emphasizes this fear of shame (O'Brien 1016).

As Werlock notes, O'Brien's fear of shame plays a pivotal role in his decision-making process (Werlock). It holds him back from taking the leap into Canada, as he cannot bear the thought of being perceived as a coward by those he holds dear. This theme of shame enriches the emotional depth of the narrative, inviting readers to empathize with the profound struggle O'Brien faces.

Overcoming Shame and Finding Courage

In the end, O'Brien manages to overcome the paralyzing grip of shame and summons the courage to return to the United States and participate in the Vietnam War. "On the Rainy River" serves as a compelling exploration of the themes of courage and shame, as O'Brien grapples with the moral dilemmas of evading his draft notice by fleeing to Canada. Throughout the story, readers gain a profound emotional perspective on the trials and tribulations faced by draftees, thanks to O'Brien's adept use of symbolism, tone, point of view, flashbacks, and the themes of courage and shame.

O'Brien's symbolic portrayal of rebirth through the Rainy River, coupled with the underlying tone of fear, creates a narrative rich in apprehension and unease. The first-person point of view and narrative devices such as flashbacks and pathos allow O'Brien to recall the past and convey his emotions effectively. Ultimately, it is the triumph over the fear of shame that enables O'Brien to find the courage to confront his destiny and participate in the Vietnam War. "On the Rainy River" stands as a testament to the enduring struggle between personal convictions and societal expectations, a timeless theme that resonates with readers across generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, William Timothy O'Brien's "On the Rainy River" is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between courage and shame in the context of the Vietnam War era. Through the skilled use of literary devices such as symbolism, tone, first-person narration, flashbacks, and the recurring themes of courage and shame, O'Brien invites readers to delve into the profound moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of conflict and societal pressure.

The Rainy River, symbolizing rebirth and transformation, provides a powerful backdrop to O'Brien's journey, while the pervasive tone of fear heightens the emotional tension within the narrative. O'Brien's first-person perspective allows readers to intimately connect with his internal struggles and reflections, creating a compelling and relatable narrative.

Flashbacks and recollections, strategically placed throughout the story, offer deeper insights into O'Brien's emotional turmoil, inviting empathy and understanding. The fear of shame, a central theme, underscores the agonizing decisions O'Brien must make and the societal pressures that weigh heavily on him.

Ultimately, O'Brien's ability to overcome shame and embrace courage highlights the enduring human capacity to confront difficult choices and take action in the face of moral uncertainty. "On the Rainy River" serves as a timeless testament to the universal struggle between personal convictions and societal expectations, resonating with readers across generations.

Through this analysis, we gain a profound appreciation for O'Brien's masterful storytelling and his ability to illuminate the complexities of the human experience in the midst of adversity. His narrative serves as a mirror reflecting the dilemmas and triumphs of individuals in the crucible of history, reminding us of the enduring importance of courage and the weight of shame in our lives.