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On A Rainy River Analysis

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On A Rainy River Analysis
The struggle between one's desires and expectations leads an individual to falter from their values and beliefs resulting in dire consequences to one's morality and internal self. The short story "On a Rainy River" clearly demonstrates the conflict between the two dilemmas as the main character, Tim O'Brien, is faced with a decision to fight a pointless war or desert his country, choosing between potentially dying, or being branded as a coward. "Traitor! they yelled. Turncoat! Pussy! I felt myself blush. I couldn't tolerate it. I couldn't endure the mockery, or the disgrace, or the patriotic ridicule...I survived, but it's not a happy ending. I was a coward. I went to the war." This quotation shows the conflict that Tim O'Brien is faced with,
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