Maturity is an aspect human have developed throughout time during certain situations or crisis being faced in which one can become mentally better overall. In the short story, “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, there is man by the name of Jimmy Cross who is a lieutenant sent to the Vietnam War. Lt. Jimmy Cross and other soldiers being sent to fight in this harsh war know what is at stake for them. Lieutenant Cross is madly in love with a woman named Martha who plays a part that changes Lt. Cross during the war mentally. Lieutenant Cross matures from a foot soldier to a lieutenant throughout the story which changes his state of mind and role in the war. For instance, Lt. Cross has thoughts about loving Martha affecting his surroundings which will eventually make him less efficient to the war. Lt. Cross has thoughts of a fantasy of Martha during the war which is preventing him focus and his commitment to his role is missing. These thoughts of Martha symbolize love for Lt.…show more content… Cross gained self-awareness during the war which helped his mental state of mind. The event that caused this turning point for Lt. Cross to change was Ted’s death during the war. Lt. Cross was thinking of Martha due to his intense love for her, and in that unexpected moment, Ted gets shot in the head from the enemy. He blames himself for Ted’s death which makes him change his mental fortitude state on the war knowing that his mission comes first. Furthermore, Lt. Cross took his role as leader seriously when he burned the picture and letters of Martha. This was a turning point for Lt. Cross as well because he realized that thinking of Martha won’t help him mature so his focus is only on war now. Lt. Cross’s new insight showed him what he should have done since the beginning which could have even save Ted’s death and changed the death count of soldiers. Lt. Cross’s response to his surroundings changed him into a new man who shows leadership to those who need guidance for the
