Tim O Brien's The Things They Carried

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Tim O’Brien intended, when writing The Things They Carried, to spread and raise awareness for the Vietnam war, and for those that fought in it. Although the story is historical fiction, it recounts Tim O’Brien’s personal experience being drafted and fighting in the Vietnam War. It gives insight into the personal lives of the fictional characters, and lets you step into their shoes. It also paints the picture of how one would look at the Vietnam War. Many people were not alive when the Vietnam war occurred, and thus do not have a strong opinion, but The Things They Carried gives much needed insight and perspective. You get all forms of perspective, from lieutenants, to medics, to grunts. I firmly believe that after reading The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien I possess much more understanding about the Vietnam War, and awareness for those who had to suffer through it. …show more content…
In The Things They Carried, there are multiple different timelines you get information from. You have the perspective of Jimmy Cross, and his experiences throughout the Vietnam war, but you also have young Time O’Brien, giving his personal recount of when he almost fled the United States to avoid the draft, but stumbled upon a ‘mentor’ who helped him along. The book illustrates a linear timeline, but occasionally gives more background information by recounting past events. This out of order timeline was very effective, it kept you along the main storyline, while still taking a break in between main events, giving further insight. I personally love the style The Things They Carried has. I think it had the perfect balance between Tim O'Brien's personal stories, and the mostly fictional main story. I have read, throughout my life, a lot of historical fiction, and nonfiction. I thought this book was very
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