Tim
O’Brien’s fascinating short-story is a collection of related accounts regarding
events during the Vietnam War, both acquired, non-fictional tales, and also
personal experiences. Although this is a fictional story, the title appropriately
conveys physical and metaphorical icons, ironically called “The Things They
Carried.” By “things” O’Brien not only means the personal items and essential
equipment they carried with them as they trekked through the Vietnam terrain,
but also their persistent thoughts and emotions. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, the
main character, was a victim of these lingering thoughts, constantly thinking
about his New Jersey college crush, Martha. Lieutenant Cross is haunted by the
fact that even though Martha and him exchange letters, which are always singed
off with “Love”, that his affection wouldn’t ever be returned. Practically
every minute of every brutal day is spent deeming about Martha. “His mind
wandered. He had difficulty keeping is attention on the war.” (Page 1069) After
a platoon mate and dear friend, Ted Lavender, suddenly gets shot in the head,
Cross places the burden of his death on himself. These thoughts and ideas that
the men carried with them often weighing heavily on their hearts, as they would
think of loved ones back home; and that is exactly what killed Lavender. “Ted
Lavender was dead because he loved her so much and could not stop thinking
about her.” (Page 1068) In context, O’Brien conveys a message to readers that
can relate the daily struggles of life to the Vietnam War, and quite frankly,
any war. Just as someone would conduct their normal routine, attending their
job could be more difficult than usual, especially while your attention is
being drug away by the thought of another person. Fortunately for us, these
thoughts aren’t deadly as they were to Lavender. Being the inspiring tale it
originally was, O’Brien portrayed it as relatable, motivating, and all-around
enjoyable.
