The Things They Carried By Tim O Brien

Submitted By Mahek-Patel
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The Things They Carried “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien, is story about items of soldiers that a squad carried in Vietnam. As the story begins, it starts off with a death of a soldier, Ted Lavender. This story relies mainly on the things they carried, which are experienced in Vietnam. The Narrator starts of the story with discussing items that were carried by the soldiers. These items are items that help the soldiers feel happy because the psychological problems soldiers would face, these items would make it through the war. The items in the story include, “chewing gum, cigarettes, lighters, Kool-Aid, Salt Tablets, Candy, mosquito replant, military payment certificates, C rations and two or three canteens of water.” (O’Brien, 97) Ted Lavender who died fairly quickly in the story carried tranquilizers. This symbolizes to the story because the narrator tends to gradually mention how he died as the story deepens. Henry Dobson a machine gunner and is described a giant person. He was said to be a classic representation of a soldier in that war. In the story he carries pound cake and peaches. Dave Jenson isn’t a big character is this story but he is perfect example of a person who doesn’t mourn over a death of his fellow squad mate. He carries hygiene supplies. Finally we come across Lieutenant Cross’, Jimmy Cross’; who is the lieutenant of the alpha company. He is responsible of the entire group. Cross’ is quite sure of how to take charge of his company. The item that he carried isn’t really an items but his love for a girl named Martha. Through out the story that’s all he thinks about. Through out the story there were multiple lists that the narrator goes through, this one was the first one. The narrator regrets talking about death of Lavender. The story starts off talking about Lt. Cross’ obsession with Martha. Then the things they carried, carries off to stating all the necessary items needed for the war. Cross carried a compass, map, codebooks, binoculars, and a .45 caliber pistol. These items represented each soldier of what they were characterized as. The items that each person carried was something that helped them remember family members, their lovers, and just something that represents their own characteristics.
After lavenders death Cross received a good luck charm from Martha. “It was a simple pebble, an ounce at most.” (O’Brien, 99) This pebble is supposed to symbolize Martha. Martha is supposed to be smooth to the
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