On The Rainy River

Question 1

Author

Answer 1

Tim O’Brien

Question 2

Characters and Traits

Answer 2

Tim O’Brien:
Author and narrator
Egotistical
Indecisive
Afraid
Fears society’s opinion more than death
Elroy Berdahl:
Wise man
Elderly, recluse
Owns Tip-Top Lodge
Reserved/quiet
Disappears after Tim makes his decision
Does not interfere in Tim’s decision-making process

Question 3

Themes

Answer 3

Societal Pressure

Following your true self

Making difficult decisions

Masculinity

Moral Dilemma

Politics
surrounding war

Idea of Freedom

Fear

Escaping reality
Prioritizing Order vs. Want
Respect and Guilt

Question 4

Symbolism

Answer 4

Guns - War and violence

Blood - The extent of how many people have died during war. The use of repetition with blood and guts stands to represent the brutality of war.

Canada - To symbolize freedom and a new start. But then switches his thought (in the end) pitiful fantasy

Fall & Winter - the use of seasons indicate that Tim needs to make a decision before the snow falls. Winter is represented as a time where nothing changes. Before the ultimate growth in Spring. He has to button down the hatches of Fall before the snow hits the ground. (Helping Elroy winterize the lodge).

The dotted line - to separate Minnesota and Canada. Separating his choice between fighting and running away. He has a choice. The choice is right in front of him.

Rainy River - separating the choices between freedom and fighting.

Pig Declotter - it is used to reinforce the idea that Tim is capable of committing heinous crimes.

Apple and Knife - choice between war and running

Question 5

How to write the title

Answer 5

“On The Rainy River”