Female characters pose of great significance in O’Brien’s, The Things They Carried. Scarce among the male characters, the women of this novel act as a symbol, or tool for the author to express different concepts while at war. The female characters within this novel often appear as love interests or girlfriends to the more complex and well known male characters. Both Martha and Mary Anne do such this, while Linda and Kathleen show a younger, less matured and naïve side to the female characters. These characters form a developed foundation for the narrator’s feelings and thoughts to be expressed.
Love is a fond focus that O’Brien uses through the use of female characters, such as Martha and Mary Anne further explore…show more content… Kathleen is introduced as the daughter to Tim O’Brien as the naïve outsider. She urges her father out of the past, while representing the future. When she and her father, visit Vietnam she is discontent with situation as she would rather look into the future, than the past. Her experience and knowledge is unfolded from her father. The inquisitiveness of Kathleen correlates to how Mary Anne Bell was constantly asking questions, showing that O’Brien may believe that the female form is curious. Within this, despite the inexperienced nature of Kathleen, she aids in allowing Tim to reflect on his life that had previously been enclosed within him and stories. Kathleen symbolizes the reader so that he can express his thoughts and feelings. Kathleen expressed through her “periods of boredom,” found herself unable to understand, much so like the reader, the true essence of war. It never leaves you and once remembered is not forgotten. O’Brien is trying to prompt and show the reader that even if you were to research stories and life in the war, a full comprehension would not be made. Kathleen is of vital significance to this novel as she allows the narrator and protagonist, Tim, to express his true
