The Things They Carried Identity Essay

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Ever come out of a tough situation feeling different? Maybe you found yourself, in a positive way, or a negative way, nevertheless the way you handle these situations says something about who you are. In “On the Rainy River” and “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, stressful situations revealed the identities and true nature of the protagonists. Tim O’Brien’s identity is revealed in “On the Rainy River” when he must come to a decision that can change his whole life, as he is torn between fighting in a war he wants no part it, or simply leaving for Canada and not looking back. Lt. Jimmy Cross’s Identity in “The Things They Carried” is revealed when he sustains a loss which ways heavily on him, as a result of him failing to demonstrate the ability to fulfill his role as a leader.

When Tim O’Brien was brought to the crossroads where he had to make a decision that could have affected the rest of his life his true identity was revealed. Tim was conflicted, he did not want to fight, but external forces made him feel as if he was obligated to, “I would go to the war--I would kill and maybe die--because I …show more content…
Tim O’Brien was faced with a war he wanted no part in, but he went and fought anyway, he would have felt like a coward regardless of the decision he made, but the way he handled situation revealed he was weak-willed, and he ended up seeing himself as a coward. Jimmy Cross was a leader, he was in a position of great responsibility, but he failed, and Lavender’s death will weigh heavily on him for the rest of his life. He was young and made a mistake but this experience hardened him and gave him a sense of purpose to never fail his troops again. Actions speak louder than words, people go through things every day, but the way they handle these situations says something about them, and reveal who they truly

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