The story "The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien describes the long journey involving a group of soldiers during the Vietnam War. O’Brien vividly describes the items carried by these soldiers, which are both tangible and intangible. Although the physical items described by O’Brien are important for survival, the emotional burden becomes the center focus of his story. The author focuses on memories and fears endured by these soldiers.
O’Brien lists all the supplies each soldier carry including some of the personal items. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross becomes the major focus that drives the narrative. The author provides details of his emotional struggles which for him become heavy. Jimmy Cross carries additional burden of pictures, letters and other important things that remind him of home. Although O'Brien describes the weight of these physical items, the emotional burden of these soldiers is the most difficult items for the author to weigh. Additionally, the physical items can easily be discarded; however, the emotional burden cannot be disposed and must be endured by these soldiers throughout the long journey.
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The author portrays how it’s not easy to get rid of some emotional burdens experienced by these soldiers. In one of the scenes, Jimmy Cross attempts to get rid of his love for Martha by burning his letters. Burning the letters is an act that does not erase his love memories. Alternatively, the soldiers find other easier way to escape the emotional burden by dreaming of flying in a plane. Although O'Brien put some emphasis on the physical items the soldiers carry, he also reveals how combining the physical and emotional burden becomes a tedious task. In conclusion, he reveals how the emotional scar remains as some of the devastating effects of war. O'Brien uses the intangible items to portray the emotional burdens soldiers carry along with them for the rest of their lives.
