Reading Prompt

Reading Prompt Name Institution Affiliation Reading Prompt: On the Rainy River “On the Rainy River” is a true story of the author Tim O’Brien. He shares his deepest secret in the narrative and one he had not told anyone. He shares events that occurred in his life in the summer of 1968 when he was just 21 years old, a young literature major and editor of the college newspaper. During this period The Vietnam War was all that was being spoken of and formed a core part of all major news bulletins. The author informs us of how his life took a drastic turn when he received a draft notice to participate in the Vietnam War. He had all along taken a modest stand on the war and considered it useless to engage in a war half way around the world that didn’t concern America. He had even written articles on the college newspaper against the war. The author is then left in a “catch-22” situation and a state of moral confusion. He feared the war as it was against his morals and beliefs but the only way to get out of being involved was to exile himself and live a life without his family and friends. The confusion drives him to an old town close to the American border where with the help of an old man he is able to recollect his thoughts and ends up participating in the war (Bloom, 2011). The author shares the story in a way readers are able to get a clear picture of what a “true war story” looks like. First of all, he shares his fear for the war. He notes that war only results in greater violence and it’s basical...