The Soldier In Tim O Brien's The Things They Carried

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Everyone carries items with them, whether it is at school or work. These things are occasionally essentials. Sometimes though, we want them and they help us as individuals. In the short story “The Things They Carried” many of the characters which are soldiers bring personal items with them that show their true character, these are not essentials. The items they chose to carry can help in analyzing the character.

Everyone carries items with them, whether it is at school or work. These things are occasionally essentials. Sometimes though, we want them and they help us as individuals. In the short story “The Things They Carried” many of the characters which are soldiers bring personal items with them through the grueling events that show their true character; these are not essentials. The items they chose to carry can help in analyzing the character.

Ted Lavender, the first man to die in the narrative carries items with him, which makes him seem very timid; he is not mentally fit for war This can be seen throughout the story. )Ted Lavender carries tranquilizers; this definitely shows how he was not fit for Vietnam. He requires outside substances to keep him numb from the outside world, and it is used to help him sleep. Ted is unable to rest due to the troubles of war. Another prime …show more content…

This can be seen when Cross is looking the photographs Martha gave him. He only has two photos and is constantly looking at them, consequently, it distracts him from his duty. This can show that Cross is a romantic, he likes to ponder over Martha and their love. Another item he carries is a good luck charm given to him from Martha. The item is a smooth white pebble with specks of orange and violet (par 14). The item is another passage to more dreams about their love. The items cross carries show he wants to continue thinking about Martha, and that he is in love with her