The concept of carrying is central to O'Brien's work, and it is manifested in various forms throughout the book. At its most basic level, carrying refers to the physical burden that the soldiers carry with them during the Vietnam War. They are laden with weapons, ammunition, rations, and other supplies that are necessary for their survival. These objects serve as a reminder of the constant danger and uncertainty of their situation, as well as the weight of their responsibility as soldiers. However, the idea of carrying extends beyond physical objects. The soldiers also carry emotional and psychological burdens, such as fear, guilt, and trauma. These burdens are often heavier than the physical objects they carry, and they can have a profound impact on the soldiers' …show more content…
For example, Lieutenant Cross carries the weight of responsibility for his men, as well as his unrequited love for Martha. Kiowa carries a Bible and a hatchet, which represent his faith and his heritage. Norman Bowker carries the thumb of a dead Viet Cong soldier, which serves as a reminder of the violence he has witnessed and participated in. The things they carry are deeply personal and reflect their individual experiences of the war. The soldiers also carry the burden of memory. They carry the memories of the people they have killed, the friends they have lost, and the experiences they have had. These memories are a constant presence, weighing on the soldiers' minds and affecting their behavior. O'Brien highlights the importance of memory in the chapter "Speaking of Courage," which focuses on Norman Bowker's struggles to adjust to life after the war. In addition to the soldiers, the Vietnamese people also carry their own burdens. They carry the weight of oppression and violence inflicted upon them by the American soldiers. They carry the memories of loved ones lost to the war. The idea of carrying is universal and extends to all those affected by