Lieutenant Jimmy Cross In Tim O Brien's The Things They...

War changes people. These changes often leave the individual in a worse state than they were in when they entered the war. Depending on the job or position of an individual, the changes can be dramatic or subtle. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross in Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” is an exceptional example of a man who experienced the effects of war and is changed by his experiences. It is usually difficult to pinpoint an exact moment when someone makes a transition in their life, but noticing how and why Cross evolved from “one of the boys” to a strict war lieutenant is a fairly simple task. Death, responsibility, and an acceptance of reality ultimately drive Cross’ transformation and allow the audience to see the birth of a new, hardened Lieutenant Jimmy Cross. O’Brien’s short story opens with a hopeful, love-struck Lieutenant Cross. The first items mentioned are his letters, …show more content…
This provides an additional angle from which to observe the young lieutenant’s initial innocence. As Smith points out, he is inexperienced but caring (1). When the audience is introduced to the various items the group carries, some of the items described are unique to each individual, but also, items that are carried by all both physical and mental ones. They carry some of the same gear, but more importantly, they all carry the struggles of war. Cross shares all these experiences, fears, and burdens with his men. He relates to them and understands his responsibility as their lieutenant to care for them. He allows them to smoke Lavender’s dope and joke around because he understands them and the need to escape occasionally. It is for these reasons that the loss of Ted Lavender strips Cross of his innocence and his attempts to hold onto his fantasies and

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Lieutenant Jimmy Cross In Tim O Brien's The Things They Carried

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Tim O Brien