Archetypes are used “On the rainy river” to show Tim’s internal struggle, and to show that often people care about how people think of them, rather than their true values and beliefs. This is showcased through the stages of initiation, mentorship and journey.
Tim’s job in the Amour meatpacking is the first stage which is initiation. The name of where he works “Armour” symbolizes war or gear for war, which he does in his job, “To remove the stuff, I used a kind of water gun” (Obrien) said by Tim regarding what he does in his job. For example, he has similar equipment which he uses in his factory job such as the water gun, and goggles which is similar to the equipment that he will have in war. Also, the fact that he is working with blood also