The reality of war unfortunately creates an oppressive system that forces soldiers to struggle with internal conflicts and individual thoughts. In the book Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien, Paul Berlin's thoughts and emotions are seamlessly presented in the observation post as he accepts the idea of ​​leaving the war as a means to embrace courage. Although war is often known for violence and blood, Berlin's thoughts at the observation post show his likely battle with masculinity and courage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Within O'Brien's narrative, the culture that war fosters amplifies American values ​​of pride and honor in male behavior. This creates an internally oppressive system in which soldiers associate fighting for their country with repressing their emotions and rejecting fear. Paul Berlin's character development of becoming courageous and wanting peace is prevalent and encourages the fact that he is having a plausible war experience. His intention to leave the war is seen as: “That was the crazy thing – despite all the difficulties, despite all the hard times and stupidity and mistakes, despite all that, it really could be done” (O'Brien 48 ). Although fantasy and reality struggle to coexist in war, Berlin has found a realistic balance in considering and accepting the possibility that the departure "could really be done". His use of controlled fantasy to deal with trauma exemplifies his believable war experience. His realization of the rationalization of peace is realistic as it is not without intense feelings of fear and deep introspection that ultimately lead to courage. The emotional standards of war such as courage and loyalty are what show the plausibility of Berlin's thought process and prevent him from embracing fantasy. The war places such immense pressure on Berlin to express masculinity that his idealized version of himself as a soldier cannot even exist in reality. . True expressions of courage for Berlin must be redefined to fit the mold of reality, or completely fictionalized in its mind. This reality is exemplified when Berlin leaves his fellow soldiers he is supposed to be guarding and goes down the stairs of the post. O'Brien writes, "It was his bravest moment" (O'Brien 62). This is an accurate example of war culture as it took courage for Berlin to distance herself from a group for which she would have to sacrifice her individuality. Upon reflection, he can identify this as his bravest moment, as he is able to move away from the narrative of an idealized soldier and redefine the boundaries of courage imposed by American culture. As his mental state deteriorates, the change in his concept of true courage is clearly seen through the arc of his fantasy. When Berlin leaves the group and begins to explore the idea of ​​leaving the war, his emotional state is described as: “Excited by the possibilities, but still in control” (O'Brien 63). In stark contrast to O'Brien's descriptions of Berlin's trip to Paris, here Berlin is shown in control of his fantasies with a real understanding of time, place, and his being. He considers abandoning the war a courageous act and has not yet experienced the guilt that ultimately destroys him. Furthermore, in addition to attempting to balance fantasy and reality, he is also grappling with his masculinity which shows that he is aware of and reacts to the reality of war expectations. O’Brien writes: “…that.