An individual will face countless dilemmas within their lifetime. So how does one discern which pathway to take? Certainly, they must consider their moral principles and disposition. As well, they should weigh the importance of their aspirations in light of the situation. 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. Tim, the protagonist, is a twenty one year old, who is just graduating from college, when he receives the letter that changes his life - the draft notice. As he disagrees with the Vietnam war, he is thrown into a moral crisis and
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Tim’s intuition and morality advises him to stand against the war. Naturally, intellect is a key quality involved in decision making. Moreover, an individual needs to think for themselves in order to come to a legitimate resolution, rather than being swept along by society’s view. This is clearly seen in Tim’s rational arguments against the Vietnam War. First of all, he does not agree with the war because it has “no unity of purpose.” No one really understands why America is fighting this war, which is why Tim views it as wrong. Thus, his judgment instructs him to go against the current of his uncertain community. As well, his intelligence leads him to believe that he is “too good for [the] war.” Because of all of his academic achievements, Tim’s arrogance makes just the idea of going to war demeaning - he is morally superior. This attribute is what initiates his inner …show more content…
Often, emotions can provide an individual with an impulsive sense of direction, but not necessarily a plan. In Tim’s case, his feelings determine that running is the only possibility. Thus, he mindlessly takes flight to the north. Terror, outrage and sorrow are blinding and easily take control despite his intuition. But uncertainty still remains and prevents him from crossing the border. His feelings have only lead him closer to the Rainy River - the decision “[separating] one life from another.” For Tim, fear is a major factor. If he does go to war, he is afraid he will lose all his aspirations and never “live the life [he] was born to live”. Fighting in the war would rob him of his American identity and dreams. Yet, he is also fearful of the ridicule he would receive if he goes against the current by fleeing to Canada. According to Tim’s emotions, there is no good answer to his dilemma but he turns to them for direction anyways. For this reason, he embraces the silent atmosphere that Elroy and nature provides so that he can focus on and struggle with these emotions. Elroy’s “almost ferocious silence” makes it easier for Tim to listen to himself over the pressures of society. As well, Elroy points Tim towards the things he requires to determine his course of action, like when he says the owl is Jesus. The circling owl represents wisdom, something Tim desperately needs. It is about to be found, but his emotions
Tim’s intuition and morality advises him to stand against the war. Naturally, intellect is a key quality involved in decision making. Moreover, an individual needs to think for themselves in order to come to a legitimate resolution, rather than being swept along by society’s view. This is clearly seen in Tim’s rational arguments against the Vietnam War. First of all, he does not agree with the war because it has “no unity of purpose.” No one really understands why America is fighting this war, which is why Tim views it as wrong. Thus, his judgment instructs him to go against the current of his uncertain community. As well, his intelligence leads him to believe that he is “too good for [the] war.” Because of all of his academic achievements, Tim’s arrogance makes just the idea of going to war demeaning - he is morally superior. This attribute is what initiates his inner …show more content…
Often, emotions can provide an individual with an impulsive sense of direction, but not necessarily a plan. In Tim’s case, his feelings determine that running is the only possibility. Thus, he mindlessly takes flight to the north. Terror, outrage and sorrow are blinding and easily take control despite his intuition. But uncertainty still remains and prevents him from crossing the border. His feelings have only lead him closer to the Rainy River - the decision “[separating] one life from another.” For Tim, fear is a major factor. If he does go to war, he is afraid he will lose all his aspirations and never “live the life [he] was born to live”. Fighting in the war would rob him of his American identity and dreams. Yet, he is also fearful of the ridicule he would receive if he goes against the current by fleeing to Canada. According to Tim’s emotions, there is no good answer to his dilemma but he turns to them for direction anyways. For this reason, he embraces the silent atmosphere that Elroy and nature provides so that he can focus on and struggle with these emotions. Elroy’s “almost ferocious silence” makes it easier for Tim to listen to himself over the pressures of society. As well, Elroy points Tim towards the things he requires to determine his course of action, like when he says the owl is Jesus. The circling owl represents wisdom, something Tim desperately needs. It is about to be found, but his emotions