Short stories go down like ice cream, but they often leave the reader with lingering sensations. What are those sensations? What do they have to do with your experience? Is "Literature" with a capital L a more effective brand of cultural meaning-making than commercials, Twitter, or the news?
Hopefully, we'll get the ball rolling on some of these questions. Featured texts describe utopian visions, bovine rebellion, freezing to death, and school shootings (among other things).
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried"
Post your responses to Tim O'Brien's story in the comments.
I feel that through this short story, Tim O’Brien is trying to convey the fact that every has something that is of great importance to them. He expresses this through the examples of soldiers in combat, and what things they have to, or just want to carry with them. Some things they carried were required, such as the weapons, but others were things they just felt safer having or were thought to be good luck. Throughout the entire story, O’Brien gave a ton of examples of things that the men were carrying, but he focused mainly on the pictures and letters that Lieutenant Cross was carrying from Martha. He expresses, in great detail, Crosses’ love for her and his longing to be with her. I feel that O’Brien focused on this so much to show that all the soldiers, especially Cross, felt hope through these objects. Later into the story, after Lavendar’s death, the perspective changes. Cross loses hope and burns the pictures and letters connecting him to Martha. This led me to believe that O’Brien was focusing on this event to show that eventually, all that matters is whats happening now, and not what could happen in the future. One other part in the story that really stuck out to me was when O’Brien mentions not the physical things that the soldiers carry, but the emotional. He states how they have to carry the “emotional baggage of men who may die.” When I read that I could tell that the emotional baggage was the heaviest of all, and ultimately what brings most men down.
I believe that Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” focuses on how the men in the platoon carried these certain items or thoughts with them because there were certain purposes for each one. Some of the things the men carried were basic items like food, water, cigarettes, medical items, and weapons. All of these things were just for surviving in the dangerous environment of Vietnam. They carried some of these things based on what they were doing and where they were going. They also carried good luck charms like a pebble or a rabbit’s foot. They had these things on them at all times because they believed that it helped them mentally not think about death. This is something they were obviously trying to avoid already, but if they had something with them to help them cope with the thought of death, then it could help them survive and not go crazy over that thought. They also make jokes about death because they couldn’t show how they really thought about it. Inside they were all afraid to die, but they couldn’t show it. It was there main reason to go to war anyway. O’Brien states that they went “to avoid the blush of dishonor”. They went to show that they were tough men and that death wasn’t that big of a deal. That they were “too frightened to be cowards”. That’s why when Ted passed on, they didn’t mourn him leaving. Rather, they acted as if it wasn’t that big of a deal because he achieved something that they all wanted to have, even though no one wanted to say it. They wanted to be heroes. They want to “carry” the memory of all the other soldiers that died before them.
Throughout the story “The Things They Carried,” O’Brian put emphasis on the different things, whether a physical object or an emotional tie, that the men in his platoon carried with them. Some of these things, for example, included water, different types of weapons, ammo, compasses, and medical items were for surviving the battle field during the Vietnam War. This was to ensure that their survival depended on what things they carried. On the other hand, these men also carried lucky charms such as a rabbit’s foot, a young boy’s thumb, a pebble or pictures. These physical objects that these men kept with them at all times represents that they believed these things had luck and would ensure that they will get through and survive this brutal war. While death was feared, the men constantly joked around about death and made it seem like it was nothing. One man who found a young boy dead in a ditch, retrieved his thumb by cutting it off for good luck. After that, he looked at the corpse and kicked the head to see all the flies come out. This act demonstrates how the men never took death seriously, but unconsciously held onto those good luck charms to hopefully keep them safe. Ultimately, these men don’t want to mourn the death of their friends that they knew in battle, but want to carry the memories that they had with them before they died.
Tim O’ Brien’s short story “The Things They Carried” shows man’s importance of being strong and tough to go through war. However, they were delicate enough to carry good charms along them. The man had to travel with essential items for their survival and carrying more or less could end in life or death situation. Yet, they made an effort to bring along items such as a bible, M&M, pantyhose, letters and brandy. I thought it was interesting that they were able to adapt to someone from their group dying so quickly but they cared enough that they carried meaningful personal belonging with them. I also felt that the items men carried with them represented their link and attachment to society. At war, there are no guarantees for men they could be dead any second. For them there are no rules, they can kill animal, destroy villages and cut of thumb of a dead boy. Being able to have those possessions makes them feel human still and part of society. I thought it was strange that Kiowa felt no emotion for Ted Lavender being dead he was just happy he could still; “ …bible smells and the plush comfort of night”. They were so far removed from society that someone’s death is less important than their possessions. I feel towards the end of the story, Jimmy Cross getting rid of the letters and pebble represents him losing his connection from society and finally being part of the war completely. This story truly depicts the mindset the soldiers must adapt in order to survive war physically and mentally.
Throughout reading this story I did not see the point in listing all the items the soldiers carried and their weight. The author listed everything the soldiers needed to carry with them in different situations and how much they weighed and how much stress that weight would put on a soldier. The author does not only talk about the materialistic items but also the emotional things we carry and how that has weight as well. When people think of baggage or things we carry you automatically think of the physical materialistic items. Throughout the story Lieutenant Cross had love letters from a girl named Martha whom which he loved and hoped she would love him as well. The emotional weight of always thinking and dreaming of her lead him to be distracted and ended up getting one of the soldiers killed because he was not paying attention like he should have been. I think a lot of people can relate to this. When you are stressed out or distracted by something you are not thinking in the present and you miss out on things. I think one of the morals of the story is that you should be thinking of the present and what is happening because ultimately you can't change what is going to happen. It will happen anyways. No matter how hard you try or stress about something it will happen and what is meant to be will be.
In "The Things We Carry", the soldiers carried many items that were essential or personal. The personal items helped them from getting lost in the war. The personal items kept them associated with the world that is not filled with battles. The Lieutenant Jimmy had feelings for a girl named Martha and would imagining spending time with her. Then he was too distracted by thougths of Martha, and wasn't really focusing on the mission. I think he carried to much weight on his shoulders emotionally and physically. He took the blame for one of his men dying and he had to worry about carry heavy items. But not just Jimmy, the other soldiers had to carry a reputation of fearless and not showing weakness.This relates to in life how we sometimes carry a lot things, like responsibility. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and we have to find a way to cope with it. I think Jimmy coped with it by detaching himself emotionally and focusing on his main job. He knew that their was a certain duty he had to do and he just performed what was neccesary. So he got rid of the pebble and letters, which removed any distractions. A moral of the story might be having to find ways to cope with all the things we go through in life, experience, fear, etc. People have to find strategies that keep them relaxed in stressful times. For example, the soldiers needed to keep a reputation of being fearless which they accomplished through making jokes. The jokes sound like a defense mechanism to hide their fear and gives them a certain reputation around the other soldiers.
Throughout the short story “The Things They Carried” Tim O’Brian recounts the different items that each soldier decided to carry with them through the Vietnam war. He talks about the letters he carries from Martha. The reader can tell by the way he protects the letters that Cross is hoping that he will one day return to a girl who cares for him even though he knows this will never be so. The men carry these items in order to stay in touch with themselves and be reminded that there is something waiting for them back and home and they will soon return to their lives and passions, and to remind them that the war is not forever. These men carry not only physical, but also mental burdens through the war and feel a sense of loneliness and isolation considering they are essentially alone and have no one but the other men and their belongings to help guide them. This story is about the mental battles these men in war must go through and how they use their belongings to help them cope while in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War was a very dark time. In my opinion was one of the worst wars that the United States was involved in. "The Things They Carried" definitely showed the true colors of what these soldiers had to go through on a daily basis. Tim O'Brian captured how the American soldiers need something to give themselves some kind of identity. What I mean by that is each soldier was carrying some special that was necessary for themselves and everyone else. Yes they all had their names, but these items each person carried gave them responsibility and purpose on the battle field. When time a soldier ended up being shot another picked up his items and essentially keeping his identity alive in battle. The pictures of Martha for the one man gave him a piece of home to remember and look at everyday to remind him that things are going to be okay. "What they carried varied by mission." If these items changed by mission you could almost say the identities of the American soldiers changed as well. These items kept the men alive and gave them hope. Maybe even some peace of mind to deal with the constant fear of being shot or ambushed. I find it very interesting that in order for us as humans to have some sense of comfort in our lives we need to attach ourselves to some kind of physical object.
The short story “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien was about soldiers in the Vietnam War. These soldiers carried standard issued gear, such as guns, grenades, protective gear, etc. However, they also carried sentimental items such as Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’ love letters and his lucky pebble. These things were what got these men to push through a war that they were basically forced into. The sentimental items reminded them of home and that there were people waiting for them when they came back. However, these items weren’t enough for people like Ted Lavender. Lavender needed the weed and tranquilizers the military handed out to soldiers who needed it. The problem with the draft in this war was that these “soldiers” didn’t want to fight and they were too focused on going home or just mentally not there (due to drugs) to focus on the task at hand. O’Brien also mentioned something about how the soldiers having to carry a silent awe for the weapons they carried; this further supports my point about how these men were not ready to be on duty. I felt that the Lieutenant burning the letters and pictures signified a weight being lifted off of his shoulders and a transformation of him from an unlucky citizen who was forced into a war to a war hardened Lieutenant. Also, I liked how realistic Lavenders death was as messed up as that sounds because it shows what war is really like; there’s no dramatized, slow falling deaths like you see in the movies. I have read this entire book of short stories in high school and I really liked it until our teacher showed us the interview he had on his book. I don’t know if you read it, but he said that everything he wrote was made up, none of the characters were based on actual people, and there wasn’t a sliver of truth in it. That seriously bothered me because when I read I assumed at least some of it was based on actual events.
“The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien is a short story was about soldiers serving during the Vietnam War. The author is very descriptive throughout the short story, to allow us as readers to clearly imagine the details he explains so thoroughly. Each soldier must carry the essentials to survive, as over there any minute you could be attacked and lose your life. The soldiers also carry individual items depending on their mission. In addition, each soldier carried individual treasures that helps them carry through some examples are; brandy, M&M’s, starlight scope, pebble, are just a few of the many. During the war there were no rules, no safety, they were on their own with a mission. Also the soldiers not only carried physical objects but also the emotional baggage; fear, grief, love, and longing but none of those could show as they must maintain a mask of composure to survive. An example O’Brien shares is how Lieutenant Jimmy Cross allowed his emotions to wander, resulting in the lack of focus which ended with the death of Ted Lavender. Lieutenant Cross blamed himself for his soldiers, which led to him letting go of his emotional feelings. I really enjoyed when the author wrote “The things they carried were determined to some extent by superstition” I believe that some of us do this as well, by carrying things that we believe will bring us closer to something. For example I wear the necklace my mother gave me each day to help remind me how hard work and determination can make dreams come true!
“The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien is a story telling about the struggles of the soldiers at war. Throughout the story it lists physical objects that they carry which amount to the overall weight that they carry on their bodies. The physical damage done to the soldiers can really take a toll on their bodies, not to mention they’re risking their lives while at war. Even though the story focuses on the physical weight, the story lacks a huge other factor; the emotional weight and stress of going to war. This can go back to the idea that we discussed in the last class about masculinity. When one hears the term “war” we often think of violence and fighting. We associate this with the masculinity of a male and their toughness. However, we often forget that soldiers go through an overwhelming amount of emotional stress which is another weight which they must carry. For example, the story states “they carried all they could bear, and then some” which can be a hint at the emotional stress they go through. There is also the repetition of his love for Martha and the fact that he believes she is a virgin. This can symbolize his emotions which he is going through but trying to hide from the rest of his troop. This could be because he is trying to maintain his masculine appearance. Often men try to hide their emotional side because it makes them appear weak. I think this story really reinforces the idea of masculinity and displays it in such a way that makes it realistic to the reader.
I feel that through this short story, Tim O’Brien is trying to convey the fact that every has something that is of great importance to them. He expresses this through the examples of soldiers in combat, and what things they have to, or just want to carry with them. Some things they carried were required, such as the weapons, but others were things they just felt safer having or were thought to be good luck. Throughout the entire story, O’Brien gave a ton of examples of things that the men were carrying, but he focused mainly on the pictures and letters that Lieutenant Cross was carrying from Martha. He expresses, in great detail, Crosses’ love for her and his longing to be with her. I feel that O’Brien focused on this so much to show that all the soldiers, especially Cross, felt hope through these objects. Later into the story, after Lavendar’s death, the perspective changes. Cross loses hope and burns the pictures and letters connecting him to Martha. This led me to believe that O’Brien was focusing on this event to show that eventually, all that matters is whats happening now, and not what could happen in the future. One other part in the story that really stuck out to me was when O’Brien mentions not the physical things that the soldiers carry, but the emotional. He states how they have to carry the “emotional baggage of men who may die.” When I read that I could tell that the emotional baggage was the heaviest of all, and ultimately what brings most men down.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” focuses on how the men in the platoon carried these certain items or thoughts with them because there were certain purposes for each one. Some of the things the men carried were basic items like food, water, cigarettes, medical items, and weapons. All of these things were just for surviving in the dangerous environment of Vietnam. They carried some of these things based on what they were doing and where they were going. They also carried good luck charms like a pebble or a rabbit’s foot. They had these things on them at all times because they believed that it helped them mentally not think about death. This is something they were obviously trying to avoid already, but if they had something with them to help them cope with the thought of death, then it could help them survive and not go crazy over that thought. They also make jokes about death because they couldn’t show how they really thought about it. Inside they were all afraid to die, but they couldn’t show it. It was there main reason to go to war anyway. O’Brien states that they went “to avoid the blush of dishonor”. They went to show that they were tough men and that death wasn’t that big of a deal. That they were “too frightened to be cowards”. That’s why when Ted passed on, they didn’t mourn him leaving. Rather, they acted as if it wasn’t that big of a deal because he achieved something that they all wanted to have, even though no one wanted to say it. They wanted to be heroes. They want to “carry” the memory of all the other soldiers that died before them.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the story “The Things They Carried,” O’Brian put emphasis on the different things, whether a physical object or an emotional tie, that the men in his platoon carried with them. Some of these things, for example, included water, different types of weapons, ammo, compasses, and medical items were for surviving the battle field during the Vietnam War. This was to ensure that their survival depended on what things they carried. On the other hand, these men also carried lucky charms such as a rabbit’s foot, a young boy’s thumb, a pebble or pictures. These physical objects that these men kept with them at all times represents that they believed these things had luck and would ensure that they will get through and survive this brutal war. While death was feared, the men constantly joked around about death and made it seem like it was nothing. One man who found a young boy dead in a ditch, retrieved his thumb by cutting it off for good luck. After that, he looked at the corpse and kicked the head to see all the flies come out. This act demonstrates how the men never took death seriously, but unconsciously held onto those good luck charms to hopefully keep them safe. Ultimately, these men don’t want to mourn the death of their friends that they knew in battle, but want to carry the memories that they had with them before they died.
ReplyDeleteTim O’ Brien’s short story “The Things They Carried” shows man’s importance of being strong and tough to go through war. However, they were delicate enough to carry good charms along them. The man had to travel with essential items for their survival and carrying more or less could end in life or death situation. Yet, they made an effort to bring along items such as a bible, M&M, pantyhose, letters and brandy. I thought it was interesting that they were able to adapt to someone from their group dying so quickly but they cared enough that they carried meaningful personal belonging with them.
ReplyDeleteI also felt that the items men carried with them represented their link and attachment to society. At war, there are no guarantees for men they could be dead any second. For them there are no rules, they can kill animal, destroy villages and cut of thumb of a dead boy. Being able to have those possessions makes them feel human still and part of society. I thought it was strange that Kiowa felt no emotion for Ted Lavender being dead he was just happy he could still; “ …bible smells and the plush comfort of night”. They were so far removed from society that someone’s death is less important than their possessions. I feel towards the end of the story, Jimmy Cross getting rid of the letters and pebble represents him losing his connection from society and finally being part of the war completely. This story truly depicts the mindset the soldiers must adapt in order to survive war physically and mentally.
Throughout reading this story I did not see the point in listing all the items the soldiers carried and their weight. The author listed everything the soldiers needed to carry with them in different situations and how much they weighed and how much stress that weight would put on a soldier. The author does not only talk about the materialistic items but also the emotional things we carry and how that has weight as well. When people think of baggage or things we carry you automatically think of the physical materialistic items. Throughout the story Lieutenant Cross had love letters from a girl named Martha whom which he loved and hoped she would love him as well. The emotional weight of always thinking and dreaming of her lead him to be distracted and ended up getting one of the soldiers killed because he was not paying attention like he should have been. I think a lot of people can relate to this. When you are stressed out or distracted by something you are not thinking in the present and you miss out on things. I think one of the morals of the story is that you should be thinking of the present and what is happening because ultimately you can't change what is going to happen. It will happen anyways. No matter how hard you try or stress about something it will happen and what is meant to be will be.
ReplyDeleteIn "The Things We Carry", the soldiers carried many items that were essential or personal. The personal items helped them from getting lost in the war. The personal items kept them associated with the world that is not filled with battles. The Lieutenant Jimmy had feelings for a girl named Martha and would imagining spending time with her. Then he was too distracted by thougths of Martha, and wasn't really focusing on the mission. I think he carried to much weight on his shoulders emotionally and physically. He took the blame for one of his men dying and he had to worry about carry heavy items. But not just Jimmy, the other soldiers had to carry a reputation of fearless and not showing weakness.This relates to in life how we sometimes carry a lot things, like responsibility. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and we have to find a way to cope with it. I think Jimmy coped with it by detaching himself emotionally and focusing on his main job. He knew that their was a certain duty he had to do and he just performed what was neccesary. So he got rid of the pebble and letters, which removed any distractions. A moral of the story might be having to find ways to cope with all the things we go through in life, experience, fear, etc. People have to find strategies that keep them relaxed in stressful times. For example, the soldiers needed to keep a reputation of being fearless which they accomplished through making jokes. The jokes sound like a defense mechanism to hide their fear and gives them a certain reputation around the other soldiers.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the short story “The Things They Carried” Tim O’Brian recounts the different items that each soldier decided to carry with them through the Vietnam war. He talks about the letters he carries from Martha. The reader can tell by the way he protects the letters that Cross is hoping that he will one day return to a girl who cares for him even though he knows this will never be so. The men carry these items in order to stay in touch with themselves and be reminded that there is something waiting for them back and home and they will soon return to their lives and passions, and to remind them that the war is not forever. These men carry not only physical, but also mental burdens through the war and feel a sense of loneliness and isolation considering they are essentially alone and have no one but the other men and their belongings to help guide them. This story is about the mental battles these men in war must go through and how they use their belongings to help them cope while in Vietnam.
ReplyDeleteThe Vietnam War was a very dark time. In my opinion was one of the worst wars that the United States was involved in. "The Things They Carried" definitely showed the true colors of what these soldiers had to go through on a daily basis. Tim O'Brian captured how the American soldiers need something to give themselves some kind of identity. What I mean by that is each soldier was carrying some special that was necessary for themselves and everyone else. Yes they all had their names, but these items each person carried gave them responsibility and purpose on the battle field. When time a soldier ended up being shot another picked up his items and essentially keeping his identity alive in battle. The pictures of Martha for the one man gave him a piece of home to remember and look at everyday to remind him that things are going to be okay. "What they carried varied by mission." If these items changed by mission you could almost say the identities of the American soldiers changed as well. These items kept the men alive and gave them hope. Maybe even some peace of mind to deal with the constant fear of being shot or ambushed. I find it very interesting that in order for us as humans to have some sense of comfort in our lives we need to attach ourselves to some kind of physical object.
ReplyDeleteThe short story “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien was about soldiers in the Vietnam War. These soldiers carried standard issued gear, such as guns, grenades, protective gear, etc. However, they also carried sentimental items such as Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’ love letters and his lucky pebble. These things were what got these men to push through a war that they were basically forced into. The sentimental items reminded them of home and that there were people waiting for them when they came back. However, these items weren’t enough for people like Ted Lavender. Lavender needed the weed and tranquilizers the military handed out to soldiers who needed it. The problem with the draft in this war was that these “soldiers” didn’t want to fight and they were too focused on going home or just mentally not there (due to drugs) to focus on the task at hand. O’Brien also mentioned something about how the soldiers having to carry a silent awe for the weapons they carried; this further supports my point about how these men were not ready to be on duty. I felt that the Lieutenant burning the letters and pictures signified a weight being lifted off of his shoulders and a transformation of him from an unlucky citizen who was forced into a war to a war hardened Lieutenant. Also, I liked how realistic Lavenders death was as messed up as that sounds because it shows what war is really like; there’s no dramatized, slow falling deaths like you see in the movies. I have read this entire book of short stories in high school and I really liked it until our teacher showed us the interview he had on his book. I don’t know if you read it, but he said that everything he wrote was made up, none of the characters were based on actual people, and there wasn’t a sliver of truth in it. That seriously bothered me because when I read I assumed at least some of it was based on actual events.
ReplyDelete“The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien is a short story was about soldiers serving during the Vietnam War. The author is very descriptive throughout the short story, to allow us as readers to clearly imagine the details he explains so thoroughly. Each soldier must carry the essentials to survive, as over there any minute you could be attacked and lose your life. The soldiers also carry individual items depending on their mission. In addition, each soldier carried individual treasures that helps them carry through some examples are; brandy, M&M’s, starlight scope, pebble, are just a few of the many. During the war there were no rules, no safety, they were on their own with a mission. Also the soldiers not only carried physical objects but also the emotional baggage; fear, grief, love, and longing but none of those could show as they must maintain a mask of composure to survive. An example O’Brien shares is how Lieutenant Jimmy Cross allowed his emotions to wander, resulting in the lack of focus which ended with the death of Ted Lavender. Lieutenant Cross blamed himself for his soldiers, which led to him letting go of his emotional feelings. I really enjoyed when the author wrote “The things they carried were determined to some extent by superstition” I believe that some of us do this as well, by carrying things that we believe will bring us closer to something. For example I wear the necklace my mother gave me each day to help remind me how hard work and determination can make dreams come true!
ReplyDeleteFrom Kelsey:
ReplyDelete“The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien is a story telling about the struggles of the soldiers at war. Throughout the story it lists physical objects that they carry which amount to the overall weight that they carry on their bodies. The physical damage done to the soldiers can really take a toll on their bodies, not to mention they’re risking their lives while at war. Even though the story focuses on the physical weight, the story lacks a huge other factor; the emotional weight and stress of going to war. This can go back to the idea that we discussed in the last class about masculinity. When one hears the term “war” we often think of violence and fighting. We associate this with the masculinity of a male and their toughness. However, we often forget that soldiers go through an overwhelming amount of emotional stress which is another weight which they must carry. For example, the story states “they carried all they could bear, and then some” which can be a hint at the emotional stress they go through. There is also the repetition of his love for Martha and the fact that he believes she is a virgin. This can symbolize his emotions which he is going through but trying to hide from the rest of his troop. This could be because he is trying to maintain his masculine appearance. Often men try to hide their emotional side because it makes them appear weak. I think this story really reinforces the idea of masculinity and displays it in such a way that makes it realistic to the reader.