![]() ![]() ![]() As he stands twenty yards away from Canadian soil, his mind conjures hallucinatory images of important people and events in his life. The relevance of this theme is further exemplified through its extensive effect on O’Brien’s subconscious and decision-making. Therefore, the fear of shame is a crucial theme in this story considering it possesses control over O’Brien’s thoughts and point of view. He does not want to be shamed by those he is close to because he is afraid of being humiliated for his morals that lack courage and patriotism. He states that he does not want his family and community to be ashamed of him and says, “I was ashamed of my conscience, ashamed to be doing the right thing.” This statement showcases that the only thing that was preventing O’Brien from following his conscience and fleeing to Canada was his fear of the embarrassment he might face from the people he knew and loved. Considering this introduction expresses that the universal idea that will be explored in this story is the protagonist’s feelings of guilt and fear of embarrassment, it is clear that the fear of shame is indeed a prevalent theme in this story.Īfter the introduction of the theme in the preface of this story, the fear of shame is further depicted in O’Brien’s thoughts and feelings. (O’Brien) This preface introduces the fear of shame as a dominant theme since O’Brien alludes that his purpose for writing and narrating this story is to convey a personal, shameful tale and pacify his fear regarding this shame. O’Brien says the story he is about to recount is one he has never told out of fear of embarrassment and that he hopes that he can ease his shame by putting it into words. The fear of shame is a notable theme considering it is visible at the very introduction of the story. When examining this text using a formalist perspective, through the usage of the plot, point of view, and the thoughts and actions of the protagonist, it is clear that a prevalent theme in this short story is the fear of shame. “On the Rainy River” by Tim O’Brien thoroughly illustrates the emotional burdens of war, especially the fear and shame felt by many men who were forcibly drafted into the Vietnam War. ![]()
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