The things they carried

Definition

The things they carried refers to both the physical and emotional burdens borne by soldiers during the Vietnam War, as depicted in Tim O'Brien's collection of linked short stories. These items symbolize not only the tangible objects necessary for survival in combat but also the deep psychological weight of fear, guilt, love, and memory that each soldier carries with them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The collection explores the physical items soldiers carried, like weapons and personal mementos, and how these objects represent their fears and experiences.
2. Emotional burdens often manifest in the stories through memories and regrets, highlighting how trauma shapes identity.
3. Each character's personal history and relationships affect what they carry emotionally, influencing their actions and decisions during the war.
4. The narrative intertwines reality with fiction, showing how storytelling serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma.
5. O'Brien emphasizes the importance of memory in shaping the soldiers' experiences, revealing how they confront their pasts long after the war has ended.

Review Questions

• How do the physical items described in 'the things they carried' reflect the soldiers' emotional states?
  • The physical items carried by soldiers often mirror their emotional struggles. For instance, a soldier might carry a photograph of a loved one to remind them of home, reflecting their longing and fear of losing that connection. Similarly, heavy equipment symbolizes the burden of responsibility and the fear of death. By detailing these items, O'Brien reveals how deeply intertwined physical possessions are with the emotional weight of their experiences.
• In what ways does O'Brien use narrative structure to convey the complexities of war in 'the things they carried'?
  • O'Brien employs a non-linear narrative structure that shifts between past and present, allowing readers to see how memories shape the characters' realities. This technique emphasizes the lasting impact of trauma on soldiers’ lives and illustrates how storytelling can blur the lines between truth and fiction. The intermingling of various stories showcases different perspectives on grief and survival, enriching our understanding of the Vietnam War's emotional landscape.
• Evaluate the role of symbolism in 'the things they carried' and its effect on understanding the soldiers' experiences.
  • Symbolism plays a crucial role in 'the things they carried' by transforming everyday objects into powerful representations of trauma and memory. For example, items like a pebble or a diary are not just possessions; they embody guilt or hope for redemption. By analyzing these symbols, readers gain insight into how soldiers process their experiences and cope with the burdens of war. This layered approach deepens our comprehension of their psychological struggles long after they leave the battlefield.

Related terms

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, common among veterans returning from war.

narrative structure:

The way a story is organized, including elements like chronology, perspective, and themes, which are crucial in conveying deeper meanings.

symbolism:

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, essential in understanding the deeper significance of objects and experiences in literature.