Redefining Courage in Tim O'Brien's Writing

When Tim O’Brien wrote The Things They Carried, he exposed the Vietnam War in a set of short stories. He was born in 1946 in Austin, Minnesota, and graduated summa cum laude from Macalester College in 1968. He received France’s prestigious Prix du Meilleur Livre Etranger for The Things They Carried. In this work of fiction, he explores themes of fact versus fiction, blurring the line between reality and storytelling. 

As he describes experiences of the war, he admits he was afraid. Particularly, in the chapter “On the Rainy River,” O’Brien states how he almost ran away to Canada to avoid the war after being drafted. He admits he went to the war because he was embarrassed not to. O'Brien's experience can be understood through the theory psychologists call cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance happens when a person’s actions conflict with their values and beliefs, creating a gap of emotional discomfort. 

O’Brien challenges traditional physical forms of bravery because he illustrates how people can act with courage for the wrong reasons, like social pressure or shame. The book showcases his moral courage. He uses writing as a form of release, and in his short stories, he does not hide the kind of emotional damage the war burdened him with. He writes about the death of his close friends, guilt, and grief. He shares multiple experiences that feel visceral and real, which takes courage because he had to relive those moments in order to produce a novel people could reflect upon.

Instead of glorifying the war, O’Brien portrays how confusing and terrifying war could be. He respects the veterans and soldiers by using writing to depict their humanity as well as weaknesses. O’Brien demonstrates how courage can mean being willing to confront uncomfortable truths and your fears.