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The Things They Carried

Characters

The Things They Carried Elroy Berdahl Character Analysis

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Characters The Things They Carried Elroy Berdahl Character Analysis

Elroy, a main character in “On the Rainy River,” is an American civilian, one of the few depicted in the book. He offers shelter, food and friendship to Tim, who desperately runs away from home after receiving his draft notice. Elroy is mostly silent on the topic of whether Tim should cross the border into Canada or not, but consistently offers opportunities for him to do so. O’Brien uses Elroy to show that many Americans were dubious of the war’s necessity and benefit. He also serves as a reminder of what a hero can look like to Tim, a quiet but strong man who allows others to make important choices for themselves. This version of heroism stands in contrast to the type of gallant heroism that many civilians want to hear about when it comes to war – through Elroy Berdahl, Tim invites us to shift our perception of heroism from the unrealistic and romanticized masculine warrior to the empathetic and non-judgmental person who is willing to sit in the discomfort and sadness of another person’s moment of crisis. Just as “On the Rainy River” shifts our perception of courage by painting draft dodging as the truly brave decision as opposed to going to war, Elroy Berdahl shows that heroism, often defined as valiant physical feats, can be as simple as providing a supportive space in which others feel they can be vulnerable.

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