On the Rainy River Tim O'Brien What do these texts suggest to you about the impact significant events have on an individual's ability to determine their destiny? Many individuals come across choices that will impact their future, and they will have to decide. However, making that decision takes a lot of work. These events could drastically change someone's life, for better or worse. The choice that the individual has to make determines their future. The fear of others' judgment or disappointment can make it challenging for an individual to make that decision. Individuals often find themselves at a crossroads, torn between societal expectations and their desires. This idea could apply an unsensible amount of pressure and could conflict with loyalties. In the short story On the Rainy River by Tim O'Brien, the protagonist is confronted with the decision to go to war or flee and avoid the draft. The thoughts and whispering he heard about himself made this decision much harder and applied much more pressure. This significant event in tims life forced him to decide between war and his own life. Tim eventually gives in to his thought and accepts the draft. However, that decision was heavily influenced by his inner thoughts. He spent a few days at the tip-top lodge, where his mind was consumed by the judgments and opinions of others. Eventually, the tight grip of embarrassment held onto him and made him lead to his decision. …show more content…
Not thinking about the backlash he'd get for not going to war, He runs away and spends a couple of days at the lodge with his thoughts. Later on, he meets an old man who provides him with nothing but comfort. The man never questions Tim about anything that he might make him uncomfortable with. Barely any words were spoken, yet he had an impact on Tim's