What can you tell about the men based on what they carry?
Are the literal things they carry symbolic of something figurative they carry?
What do they things show us about what they men value, desire, fear, etc.?
What are some of the more interesting items?
What is the best thing that someone carries? The worst? The strangest?
Which "things" were unexpected? What would you carry if you went to war?
When reading the first few chapters, I've noticed how Tim outlines what the men each carry in their backpacks. What Jimmy Cross carries are a bunch of utilities to help them out, and he also has letters from a girl named Martha to remind him of her I believe. Another man named Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers because he was afraid. I think that showed how Tim portrays Ted Lavender as a coward. Something he told us that I wasn't expecting was that how some of them carried normal everyday things. I would carry a really warm blanket and my headphones.
ReplyDeleteAll of the men in "The Things They Carried" carry the basic materials that are needed to fight in the war. But some of the men carry things that help define them as individuals. Each person has a different story. What they carry defines that story. For instance, Lieutenant Cross carries things such as his good luck pebble and his letters from Martha, and photographs of Martha. Based on what he carries, I can tell that he loves this girl very much and misses her. I can also tell that he's dealing with sadness because he can't be with her. Dave Jensen carries a rabbit's foot for good luck. This tells me that he is scared to be in the war and that he keeps it very close to him because it gives him a sense that everything will be all right. All of these men have different "good luck charms" that they keep to ensure their safety in their mind. I believe that both the literal and figurative things that they carry are symbolic of fear. I think this because they all have many weapons plus things that make them feel better so that they're not as afraid. The letters show that Lieutenant Cross values Martha. Before Ted Lavender died, the author states that Cross would "dig his foxhole, wash his hands under a canteen, unwrap the letters, hold them with the tips of his fingers, and spend the last hour of light pretending." He would pretend that she loved him, even though he knew in his heart that she didn't. He desires her. However, some of the things the men carried were very interesting. Henry Dobbins carried his girlfriend's pantyhose around his neck for comfort.
ReplyDeleteNorman Bowker carried a thumb that they cut off of a 15-16 year old boy that had died. I think the best thing that was carried was the stone that Martha sent Lieutenant Cross. My reasoning behind this is she said that she sent it to him because she found it on the Jersey shoreline precisely where things came together but also separated. I think it had alot of meaning behind it so that was my favorite. The worst and the strangest thing that was carried was probably the boy's thumb. That was kind of weird and unexpected. If I were at war I would carry pictures of my mom, grandma, my dogs, and friends.
I define the things they carry as all the memories and things they've had to do during the war to survive. In other words, all the baggage they have to live with even after they complete their service. This helps to define them as individuals because everyone has a different story and everyone has different comforts that help to get them through the war. The literal things they carry, which I think represent a feeling of security, ARE symbolic of what they hold inside. O'Brien carries a picture of Martha, which symbolizes the love and passion he feels for her. He can look at it and be reminded of who's supporting him and who wants him to return home. The things the men carry give them a sense of safety, good luck, and a basis to keep going through the hard times. When Kiowa carried the New Testament, it showed that he valued God and desired to go to Heaven if he didn't make it through the war. Some men carried extra weaponry in fear of not having enough to keep themselves alive. I thought it was interesting that Ted Lavender carried so much more ammo than everyone else out of fear, but in the end it couldn't protect him. I think the best thing that was carried was all the pictures of the soldier's family and friends because pictures can tell a story and bring memories flooding back to someone. The worst and strangest thing that someone carried was the dead boys thumb. I saw it as almost making a joke out of the death of an innocent kid. If I was a soldier, I would carry photos of everyone important in my life.
ReplyDeleteAll the soldiers in "The Things They Carried" carried things that kept them sane. The things the soldiers carried helped the reader understand what type of characteristics the soldier had. These things helped them when times were tough during the war. Jimmy Cross carried letters and good-luck pebble from a girl named Martha. After a long day’s march, he would unwrap her letters and imagine the prospect of her returning his love someday. This shows the reader how Cross was in love with her. It kept him focused and helped him forget about the bad times. The most interesting thing was how Henry Dobbins carried his girlfriend's panties . Although he and his girlfriend broke up, Dobbins kept it because he said the magic never went away. The panties are a symbol of where Henry came from and who he loved. The panties are out of place in Vietnam where the soldiers have neither women nor refinement.The panties recall memories of more pleasant times when Dobbins was with his girlfriend, away from the war. The best thing that I think was carried was the New Testament. I think it was the best thing because it would give you hope when there wasn't any around. It would also give you safety when you were scared. The worst thing that was carried by one of the men was the thumb of a Viet Cong corpse which was carried by Norman Bowker. I found it weird that someone would carry a thumb of a dead person because I would think it would remind you of death, which is not a pleasant thing to carry during a war. If I was a soldier I would carry a notebook, pictures of my family, and something to give me luck.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried are what they were required to carry by the military and pieces of each of their lives. Each item reminded them of life outside of the war and keeps a bit of peacefulness in all the violence. Yes, O'Brien listed things for pages on end but each item is important. It can help you visualize how much each soldier actually had to carry even with their personal items. I also noticed a lot after Lavender died, each soldier had more emotional baggage than what they thought. Cross burned the letters he had of Martha's and even blamed himself for Lavender's death.
ReplyDeleteI believe the things that each man carries shows who they were before the war. Jimmy Cross carried around Martha's letters which makes me thinks he's a hopeless romantic. Dave Jensen carried around a tooth brush, dental floss, and Dr. Scholl's foot powder, which makes me think he was a clean freak before the war, Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers, dope, and extra ammo, and that males me believe that he was scared before he was sent to war. While reading I found it weird that Cross carried the pebble in his mouth, and that Henry Dobbins carried his girlfriends tights around his neck. If I were a solider at war I would carry my favorite book, pictures of my loved ones, and my loki bracelet. I would carry the book so I always has a way to escape the war, the pictures to remind me of what I have waiting at home for me, and the loki bracelet to remind me that things can always get better and that I just need to keep my head up.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried were not just physical they were mental too, in my opinion. All the men carried their regular belongings such as socks, boots, and pants. Each member also carried something important to them like letters, pictures, tools, toothbrushes, ext. I feel that some of the objects they carried may seem meaningless to us, but to the person I think they had a deeper meaning. The objects help describe each individual and what they were like. I also believe that the things they carried helped them to stay positive during the war, almost like their connection to the outside and back home. They also carried things mentally like the people they loved more than anything that were back home waiting for them to come home. Also all of the emotions that would build up inside them just having to go through tough times. Other things they carried physically weren't always things they wanted to carry such as ringworm and other illnesses. If I were going to war i would carry pictures.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the items having more a mental meaning. Although we may not understand why some of the men carried some of the items and did some of the things that they did, those men will always understand what the significance was. For example, I thought that Jimmy Cross carrying the pictures of a girl who doesn't love him was kind of depressing and I imagined that giving myself a bad feeling, yet Jimmy Cross used these letters and pictures to keep himself happy and remembering simpler, happier times. I also agree that the items helped them stay positive. When people carried pictures, it helped keep them focused on their goal of winning the war and returning home to go back to whoever or whatever that picture captured. Although the items may occasionally cause people to feel homesick or a little depressed about being gone, I think that they are what kept the soldiers sane. It seems terrifying as well as tiring to imagine having to carry all of the items that they did. And then also including carrying diseases, which may not add weight but will add further issues, also seems so scary. If I had to go to war, I would bring pictures, like you. As for a more significant and meaningful item, I think I would carry a necklace or bracelet of my mother's so that I could remember my family through that.
DeleteI noticed that instead of using physical descriptions of the people he fights with, O'Brien uses facts to describe them. For example, by stating that Lavender carries tranquilizers and marijuana, it shows that he is scared and not ready to go into battle. The letters that Jimmy Cross was carrying from a girl that he went on one date with showed that he has a hard time letting go of things. He was too obsessed with Martha, and blamed himself for the death of lavender for years. I would carry things that are necessary like a poncho or rations.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carry with them are completely symbolic of who they once were, and of what they are not willing to let go just yet. I have to agree with Diana when she says that what they carry with them represents their lives before the war. The one they are forced to leave and completely not ready to give up. What each man carries is most likely an item with large significance that helps them stay connected to the real world. For example, Henry Dobbins carries his girlfriends pantyhose which are symbolic of his everlasting love for her.
ReplyDeleteI found the most interesting item to be Lee Strunk's tanning lotion. I assumed that because they were in the sun all day they all would all easily tan or get burnt, but Strunk had other ideas. And the most unexpected item I read about was Norman Bowker's human thumb that he carried around for good luck. I do not know why I was shocked by such a strange item in a novel about a war, but I still was. If I ever went to war I would probably take hairspray with me to make sure I was always looking stylish. I mean, iI am going to be possibly blown to bits might as well do it in style.
I think O'Brien shows us the soldiers fears because he wants the readers to know that they are not perfect humans and they all have their pros and cons. Every man has his own personality, weaknesses, and desires. Each man carries something close to his heart but the most interesting item would have to be the pebble that Lieutenant Cross carried because even though it's plain and you would think it has no value it means more than a thousand words to him. It reminds him about old times and it's from the women he loves. One of the strangest things that someone carried would be a diary because woman are usually known for carrying a diary not men.
ReplyDeleteAlong with the materials necessary for war, the men carried items that were sentimental or that had a deeper meaning. Jimmy Cross carried his photos of Martha, Henry Dobbins carried his girlfriend’s pantyhose, and Norman Bowker carried a thumb. These are all examples of the burdens the men carried with them. I believe that Dobbins’ pantyhose was his good luck charm, but that he also carried it as a physical representation of the burden he had from having to leave his girlfriend behind. Jimmy Cross did much of the same thing when he carried around the pebble and pictures of Martha. He also constantly wondered whether or not Martha was a virgin, which was a strain on him, as he constantly thought about how she had boyfriends in the past, and how he should have done more when he was with her one afternoon. Overall though, I have to agree that the weirdest object carried by any of the men was the young boy’s thumb that Norman Bowker carried. I found it odd that the medic, Rat Kiley, carried a bag of M&Ms for the patients with the worst wounds.
ReplyDeleteThe men carry personal treasures and vital military survival equipment. The soldiers’ have to carry their fears and courage in the war-torn country. They have small knick-knacks to remind themselves of life before the draft. Each soldier carries the burden of mental anxiety and physical objects. A small pebble or piece of clothing could be the “good luck” charm a soldier needs to wake up every day. One soldier could see garbage while another one sees sentimental values. The stronger men carried the heavier weapons and radio, this shows determination and the endurance. Some of the men in the unit used diaries while others carried candy. When a soldier passes away, the whole squad cherishes and carries on the memories of fallen troop.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that Ted Lavender openly carried drugs to help cope with the war and horrors. I thought the other men would have helped Ted get over his drug addiction. If I went to war, I would carry trinkets made in the country I was born. I would remember my great country if I were to die.
Max I agree that it was a little surprising to see Ted carrying drugs around like it was not big deal, but in my opinion I do not really see the drugs as something that define him or as something he truly "carried". In a way weren't all the the things that the men carried just a way for them trying to cope with the means of war. I think the other men were to focused in on their own internal and external affairs that they didn't even think twice about Ted's drug problem. Honestly with all the things these men had to deal with it's almost a little surprising that they all didn't do drugs to take the edge off.
DeleteThe things the men carried, I believed, were very symbolic. Like Ted Lavender, he carried those drugs and tranquilizers to confront the realization of war. Also, Jimmy Cross carried that pebble and the pictures of Martha, i trust that he carries those items for luck. Then there's Rat Kiley, who carries M&M's for his patients, which I find kind of weird. I thought it was strange that someone would carry a boy's thumb.... I personally would carry some oreos and my phone.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried, I believed, were very symbolic. Like Ted Lavender, he carried those drugs and tranquilizers to confront the realization of war. Also, Jimmy Cross carried that pebble and the pictures of Martha, i trust that he carries those items for luck. Then there's Rat Kiley, who carries M&M's for his patients, which I find kind of weird. I thought it was strange that someone would carry a boy's thumb.... I personally would carry some oreos and my phone.
ReplyDeleteDuring this book I believe Jimmy Cross, besides O'Brien, is the character that the reader can best understand. Jimmy carries around the letters of his love, Martha. While it is understood that she does not feel the same way, Jimmy always has a sense of hope. I think that every object carried by the soldiers represents hope. In this way I feel like the best thing for a soldier to carry is something that gives him/her hope. Hope is what can brighten a dark situation into a good one. The worst thing I think a soldier to carry would be an object of regret. Any object that could make it easier for a soldier to give up or not see a way out of war. Personally I would carry a picture of my loved ones and a small pin of the United States flag. Both would be to represent the reason I would continue the fight and my reason to come home.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried define them as individuals because they all see what they carry differently. What they carry has such a deeper meaning to them. Some men who really stood out with what they carried would be Lavender who carried the tranquilizers which to me would numb the fear of the war. Another would be Jimmy Cross who carries the letter with Martha which to me is hope and luck. I would have to agree with basically everyone on how the young boys thumb is the most disturbing to me that is really wrong. The most interesting would be the M&M's because maybe Rat Kiley thought it would calm the soldiers or make them forget for a second about the pain. What I would carry is some pictures of those I love, like family and close friends.
ReplyDeleteIn the book each man carries a ton of military gear, but they also carry individual items and emotional baggage. The men carry items from their past and from their home including notes from loved ones, comics, and items that "give them luck". These items remind them of whats at home waiting for them and honestly I think some items keep them human. I think one of the nicest and creepiest things that the men carry id the letters and pictures, letters, and stone Cross carried. If I went to war I probably would carry pictures of loved ones and letters.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading "The Things They Carried", I found that the things they carried really showed exactly what kind of person each soldier is. Lieutenant Cross for example, carries a letter from the girl he loves. Even though he is aware that she does not love him back he still reads it every night. This shows that Jimmy Cross is a more sensitive person and he feels for the soldiers around him. He treats the soldiers as people instead of the normal robot-like treatment soldiers often get. Some interesting things that the men carried were things such as Kiowa's copy of the new testament. My favorite item carried by a soldier was Henry Dobbin's girlfriend's stockings just because it was so odd. If I was to go to war, I would take a lacrosse ball with me along with a picture of my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried showed their character. Jimmy carries letters from a girl he loves, who does not love him the same way back. Each soldier is uniquely different and carried a little piece of their life from back home. Dave Jensen carried many hygienic things like a toothbrush, floss, and soap. Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers, which showed he wasn't just scared of going to war, but terrified. Like many of the soldiers I would carry pictures and letters from my closest family and friends. I thought it was funny that Rat Kiley took M&Ms for his patients to feel better. They wouldn't help physically but maybe it would give them something to smile about while trying to forget the pain they would be in.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried with them showed what kind of person they were. Jimmy Cross carried letters from Martha with the hope that they were more than just friendly letters. This shows just how hopeful and caring Jimmy is. Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers so he could relax, showing how fearful he was of Vietnam. Each personal item the men carried along was like a window- the item showed a small piece of their worlds and how eager they were to return to normal.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure what I would carry if I were to go to war. I think I would carry pictures of my loved ones, or maybe a journal to keep track of my thoughts. Maybe I would take something a little more sentimental to give me hope for my return home.
The things these men carried were all normal things to carry while away at war just to give them the thought of home or safety. Jimmy Cross and his letters from the girl that didn't love him was more about him wanting to be back home maybe not with her specifically, but a women to love and her to love him back. Kiowa carried the New Testament after his father shipped it over that was about how he might have wanted to grow in his faith with Jesus Christ or maybe to be a light to anyone he came across to spread what he believed in or maybe just give security to say the the Bible will protect him from evils that are out there in the world. All of these would take their minds off the war for even the smallest time, what i would take is probably pictures of people I love the most, and maybe like Kiowa I would carry a Bible to grow in my faith and have protection.
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ReplyDeleteMost of the things the men carried where items needed to fight in the war, but each character carried something different that revealed more about them. For example, Jimmy Cross carried letters from a woman he loved named Martha. This showed that Jimmy was a hopeful man. Henry Dobbins carried extra rations which showed he was a bigger man. Ted Lavender was scared, so he carried tranquilizers to calm his nerves. I thought it was a little strange that Jimmy Cross carried the pebble Martha gave him in his mouth, but definitely the strangest/grossest thing that was carried was the thumb. If I was at war, I would carry pictures of my loved ones to remind me why I was fighting.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried for the most part were items used to fight in the war, but the other items were used to keep reminding them to not forget who they really were. Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers, which made his fears apparent to the other men. Jimmy Cross carried letters from the girl he loved, Martha, who didn't truly love him back, which showed his unwavering loyalty towards a cause. Henry Dobbins carried extra rations which showed that he was a heavier man. The items that these men carried expressed their personalities, fears, and hopes for what they would have if they ever survived the war. The items made the war seem like less of a burden then what it really was: a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the soldiers carried were, in some part, a way to try and tether themselves to the life they once knew. All of them carried the necessities such as can openers, sewing kits, C rations, and canteens of water. The extra things they chose to bring along with them gave us some insight as to what kind of individual they were. Jimmy Cross carried the letters of the girl he loved and the stone she sent so we could assume he's loyal and sentimental. Henry Dobbins carried extra rations, which showed he cared about not being underfed. Dave Jensen was the only one who cared enough about personal hygiene to carry a toothbrush, floss, Dr. Scholl's foot powder, and bars of stolen hotel soap. In my opinion, he was the smartest one out of the group. Ted Lavender was a scared man who carried tranquilizers and dope to deal with the horrors of war. The strangest thing to me that was carried was the human thumb that Norman Bowker had. I thought it was strange that such a nice man would carry such a grotesque thing like that. The best thing that was carried would have to be the foot powder that Dave Jensen had because trench foot was a big problem in Vietnam and he was smart enough to bother to carry something to help prevent it. If I ever went to war, I think I'd carry letters and pictures of my loved ones, a thumb piano, and a couple of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteEach item the men carry has a different meaning. The meaning of the items is what defines them, a picture could mean something to one person but could mean something completely done to another. A picture could be a reminder of the love they have for someone or just to serve as a reminder of what they are fighting for. Some of the items I found interesting were the M&M's , drugs, and the thumb. The M&N's are the best thing someone carries and the thumb is the worst and also the strangest. I would probably carry a picture of friends/ family, and probably something that I would be able to listen to music with.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading the book, I've noticed that the things the men carried showed different parts of their personality and character. Each man had to carry what was required for war, but other objects and memories individualized them from the other soldiers. Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers to calm his nerves because he got scared easily. Jimmy Cross carried a stone and letters from the woman he loved. His love for her could not be changed just because she didn't love him back. Kiowa carried the New Testament his father sent to him, which showed me he was a very religious man and not only carried it because of that, but because it was from his father. Henry Dobbins carried his girlfriends stockings, and believed they were a good-luck charm. This showed that he was a very loving man and thought that their love would keep him alive. Each person carried something different, and each object had a different story behind it. But each thing they carried had sentimental value to them, and reminded them of home. Giving them hope and comfort while they were fighting in a war far from home. If I had to go to war, I would bring photos of my family and friends. It would remind me what I was fighting for.
ReplyDeleteIn this story every man is different, each carry the basic things needed to physically survive. However they all carry different things so they can get through each day mentally sane. The most commonly looked at is probably the letters and photographs carried by Jimmy Cross of the love of his life Martha. His love for her was so strong he would keep the little good luck stone in his mouth only to dream it was her tongue. He blamed himself for Tim Lavenders death because of Martha and how his thoughts were elsewhere so he burned the things he had from her trying to make the guilt go away but he knew he couldn't stop loving her, no matter if she didn't loved him back. The other men also carried things that gave them hope and comfort like pantyhose from a girlfriend, candy, and even drugs to put them at ease. I think each item can give us little hints of who these men are and where they came from. Ted Lavender for example carried all this extra weight in weapons because he was afraid of death. But no matter how much we protect ourselves in life bad things can still happen shown by Lavenders death. Although one thing carried in particular was disturbing, and that was a thumb of a young boy given as a gift. Not sure why that would be a gift or why someone would keep it as luck or any other reason. I would think it would decay unless kept frozen and would just be weird to have another persons body part with you. If it was me personally going to war I would try to make my weight to carry as light as possible. I would carry the necessities, maybe a few bracelets I've gotten at concerts to remind me of happier times, along with the memories of where I came from in the back of my head.
ReplyDeleteThe soldiers carry the necessities for their physical situations in the jungle, but also for their mental situations in such a harsh and isolated place. For Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, to keep his mind off the war at hand on simpler things, he carries Martha's picture, and the pebble she sent him. Mentally, he carries her in thoughts -and it seems to be obsessively so- to allow himself to escape from what the war does to his mental health. He avoids the war as heavily so as the other men do with an unhealthy fixation on Martha; he's easily forgiven in this as the alternative thoughts are much harder on him.
ReplyDeleteSome of the literal things they carry have symbolic meaning not only to the character but also to the reader. For example, Rat Kiley's M&M's show how he is caring and he does his best to help his patients feel somewhat better as they are dying or nearly so. This shows that Rat Kiley values people and especially so the people who can be written off, for to some it may seem wasteful to give something precious to the dying.
The things they carried basically told the reader who the soldiers are, whether it be superstitious items like underwear or simply tranquilizers for a scared/nervous person. Of course they had carried guns, ammunition, rations, explosives, and many other combat related utilities. I believed the personal items is what kept most of them alive, Dobbins was considered invincible with the "pantyhose"on him. Even though it had no real protection, it provided mental assurance that things will be alright. Even though Lavenders drugs helped him escape the war, he still got killed proving these items are not physically keeping them alive. Jimmy cross carried letters and a pebble of Martha's literally, those items carried memories of good times and hope. Many of the items they carried brought unprecedented hope, each item giving them a reason to move forward and survive another day.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most interesting items in my opinion was Rat Kiley's M&M's, he used them to make things lighter when seriously injured. As almost he carried a responsibility to administer this last hope to a dying soldier, making their way out a tastier one. If I had a choice I rather die with the flavor of chocolate in my mouth than blood and dirt. If I went to war I would carry a pillow case from home, in reason for saying this every time I went to bed i could put it on a pillow or just on the ground. I would do this not for typical use of a pillow case, but a reminder of what my own bed feels like and hope to one day returning to it.
The things they carried basically told the reader who the soldiers are, whether it be superstitious items like underwear or simply tranquilizers for a scared/nervous person. Of course they had carried guns, ammunition, rations, explosives, and many other combat related utilities. I believed the personal items is what kept most of them alive, Dobbins was considered invincible with the "pantyhose"on him. Even though it had no real protection, it provided mental assurance that things will be alright. Even though Lavenders drugs helped him escape the war, he still got killed proving these items are not physically keeping them alive. Jimmy cross carried letters and a pebble of Martha's literally, those items carried memories of good times and hope. Many of the items they carried brought unprecedented hope, each item giving them a reason to move forward and survive another day.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most interesting items in my opinion was Rat Kiley's M&M's, he used them to make things lighter when seriously injured. As almost he carried a responsibility to administer this last hope to a dying soldier, making their way out a tastier one. If I had a choice I rather die with the flavor of chocolate in my mouth than blood and dirt. If I went to war I would carry a pillow case from home, in reason for saying this every time I went to bed i could put it on a pillow or just on the ground. I would do this not for typical use of a pillow case, but a reminder of what my own bed feels like and hope to one day returning to it.
The things they carried defined the individuals by their beliefs and their superstitions. The reader can figure out the men's personality based on the items they carried. One could tell Lieutenant Cross and Henry Dobbins had girlfriends back home because Dobbins carried his girlfriend's pantyhose around his neck, and Cross carried around the letters from Martha, his girlfriend. One could also determine that Ted Lavender was scared going into the war from the first minute. He carried 20 pounds of ammunition, a grenade launcher, a scope and some dope. Anyone could figure out that Kiowa was very religious, not only because the author stated he was, but because he carried around the New Testament. What they carried symbolized their beliefs, emotions, and how they were able to handle the death and violence around them. I would say the most unexpected items were Norman Bowker's thumb of the boy, and Mitchell Sander's condom. If I went to war I would carry a picture of the most important people of my life, and something religious like a rosary.
ReplyDeleteThe items the men carry do show their personalities to a certain extent. For example, Kiowa carries is illustrated version of the New Testament, so you get an idea that he's religious. Henry Dobbins and cross carry their girlfriends items around, Dobbins carries his girlfriend panty hose around his neck and Cross carries Martha's letters and picures. Ted Lavender carried around rounds upon rounds of ammunition, a grenade launcher, and a scope, so you could tell he was the nervous one. So most of these items had some sort of symbol to each of the men, and gave them some comfort in the midst of war. If I was to go to war, I would carry a photo of my mother, a cross my boyfriend gave to me, and my ring.
ReplyDeleteThe items the men carry do show their personalities to a certain extent. For example, Kiowa carries is illustrated version of the New Testament, so you get an idea that he's religious. Henry Dobbins and cross carry their girlfriends items around, Dobbins carries his girlfriend panty hose around his neck and Cross carries Martha's letters and picures. Ted Lavender carried around rounds upon rounds of ammunition, a grenade launcher, and a scope, so you could tell he was the nervous one. So most of these items had some sort of symbol to each of the men, and gave them some comfort in the midst of war. If I was to go to war, I would carry a photo of my mother, a cross my boyfriend gave to me, and my ring.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried with them showed their beliefs and who they were on the inside. Some carried religious items so they wouldn't ever lose sight of what they believed in no matter what they went through. Others carried items from girlfriend knowing when they were done for the day no matter where they would end up so one loved them and was waiting for them to return home. one of them carried extra ammunition just to make sure he was safe no matter where he went.they all carried items that would make them worry less and what they felt was safe. Things to remind them where they came from and what they are one day going to go home to.
ReplyDeleteWhat people carry is what defines them. Characters from "The Things They Carried" carry basic military supplies representing the emotional scarring that all soldiers carry. More personal items tell of the soldier's desires and fears. Cross' letters show his desire for love, while Lavender's tranquilizers show his fear and cowardliness. Every item people hold dear represents a part of themselves.
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ReplyDeleteThe men all carried items for survival and to help them in their situation, but they also carried things that helped bring them comfort in the midst of hard times. Kiowa had a New Testament to help remind him that he had God on his side to help through and protect him. Ted Lavender had more than enough ammunition and other weapons to make himself feel like he could not be harmed and that he could protect himself. Henry and Cross both carry things from their girlfriends to remind them that someone loves them and they have something to go back to when this is all over. All of these objects explain something about the individual and give us hints as to the person inside. For example you can tell that Kiowa is a religious man and Ted is scared of death so he needs extra protection. Although we find that even with all the extra ammunition Ted still dies showing us that we cannot protect ourselves from all the bad things that life throws at us. If I were to go to war I would carry memories. Memories of people I loved, of happy times, of fun times, and even sad times. I would carry all these memories in my mind to remind myself of who I am and to keep my sanity during such hard times.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carry reflect the inner fears and obsessions of the men that they allow to consume them during the war. Two in particular stuck out to me in the novel: Lieutenant Jimmy Cross' pebble that Martha sent him and Ted Lavender's tranquilizers and dope. Jimmy cross was a man in denial of his unrequited love for Martha, a Junior at Mount Sebastian College, and he allowed it to preoccupy his every thought. When he was supposed to be focusing on the fact that Lee Strunk was searching a tunnel the troop had come upon, all Cross could think about was Martha and him inside that tunnel, being crushed by not only the weight of the soil but also their love. His obsession finally came to an end when Ted Lavender was shot in the head and killed on his watch. The guilt that his love for Martha had caused him to forget about his troop set him straight and he burned the photos he had of Martha and got rid of the pebble. Ted Lavender was a fearful man who carried not only numerous rounds of ammunition wherever he went but also was almost always high on tranquilizers or his premium dope. He tried to escape his fear of death in the oblivion that came with being high but it eventually caught up to him with his quick death that shocked Kiowa at how fast a life could be taken.
ReplyDeleteThough many things they carried had to do with fears and obsessions, a select few were because the men could not make it through the day without them. His girlfriend's pantyhose that Henry Dobbins wore around his neck was one of the anchors that kept him on the side of sanity. Even though he claimed he wore them for good luck I believe that he wore them to keep the memory of her beside him at all times through the war and if he did die, he would die with her at his side.
The things every man carries, both physically and mentally, shows a lot about his character. Along with the essentials for war, most of the men chose to carry personal items to help bear the weight on their minds from everything happening around them. Items such as photos or mementos from girlfriends or wives helped connect the two worlds that each person lived in while items thought to bring luck, such as a rabbit foot or a thumb, convinced the soldiers that they will be less likely to be hit with bad luck. To the soldiers, the mental weight is much greater than the physical weight carried on their backs.
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DeleteI agree that the mental weight carried by each soldier is greater than the actual physical weight that they're actually carrying. I thought of this idea when they were using the mine detector. Even though they knew it was pretty much useless they still carried it because it made them feel a little safer.Their fear also weighed heavily on them. When it came time to going into the tunnels every man feared going down and never coming back up.
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ReplyDeleteThe obvious thing to point out about "The Things They Carried" is the repetition in the beginning. O'Brien writes that section very much like a poem, which I enjoyed. The men he describes carried physical things on their backs, and emotional things on their minds. The things they carried went hand in hand. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried a pebble physically, and Martha emotionally. Kiowa carried his New Testament, and his beliefs. I found that the things they carried helped to establish their personality by giving literal and symbolic connections into their lives.
ReplyDeleteThe things the soldiers carry are all important signs of who they are and who they were when they weren't at war. All of them carry essentials for fighting the war and surviving. But each of them carries personal items. The letters and pictures of Martha that Cross had with him seemed to have a big significance in the book. He felt that because he was obsessed with these things that he didn't pay enough attention to his soldiers. So he burned these things. Everything these soldiers carried was a reminder of life back home.
ReplyDeleteThe things the soldiers carried is a literal saying and a metaphor. These soldiers had a lot of weight to carry both physically and mentally. Knowing that something horrible could happen to any one of them was a heavy weight that they had to think about constantly because they knew that there was no saying when something could happen and they just had to be ready for anything at all times. The physical burden was that they all had to carry their required equipment on their body and in their bags. Some soldiers carried more personal items such as pictures of friends and loved ones and some would carry extra survival supplies. For example, first lieutenant and platoon leader, Jimmy Cross, was stuck with the extra burden of carrying a compass, maps, code books, binoculars, and a .45 caliber pistol. Also he had to carry the responsibility of caring for his men. These are all the things that the soldiers had to carry.
ReplyDeleteThe things the soldiers carried is a literal saying and a metaphor. These soldiers had a lot of weight to carry both physically and mentally. Knowing that something horrible could happen to any one of them was a heavy weight that they had to think about constantly because they knew that there was no saying when something could happen and they just had to be ready for anything at all times. The physical burden was that they all had to carry their required equipment on their body and in their bags. Some soldiers carried more personal items such as pictures of friends and loved ones and some would carry extra survival supplies. For example, first lieutenant and platoon leader, Jimmy Cross, was stuck with the extra burden of carrying a compass, maps, code books, binoculars, and a .45 caliber pistol. Also he had to carry the responsibility of caring for his men. These are all the things that the soldiers had to carry.
ReplyDeleteAlthough soldiers in the war carry a lot physically, their emotional baggage both during and after the war often seems the heaviest. The first kill, in my opinion, would often be the worst. It's the moment you truly understand where you are and what you're supposed to do in a time of war. There is also a risk of not only your own death, but the death of those around you that you have come to know and care about. Feeling responsible for someone else's death, especially a fellow soldier, was a heavier load than any items.
ReplyDeletePhysically, each soldier carried essentials such as survival supplies and weapons, but some often carried their motivation, whether it was in the form of a photo or a letter, or even a good luck charm.
The first story tells, in great detail, what every person carries in O’Brien’s platoon. As required, everyone carries their “SOP” (Standard Operating Procedure) equipment - be it weapons, food, or gear to protect themselves. However, each soldier carries something personal from home that gives them a unique and individual trait. It gives them a more human quality that war tends to remove from people. Depending on what they carried, the men could be identified as having certain personalities. Ted Lavender was noted to carry extra rounds of ammunition and an extreme amount of mood stabilizing tranquilizers that allowed him to deal with the frightening atmosphere of Vietnam, almost always referring to the war as “Mellow - a nice smooth war,” while under the influence. Kiowa carries a Bible - specifically a New Testament gifted to him by his father-, along with a feathered hatchet belonging to his grandfather and moccasins, showing the more traditional side that Kiowa will sometimes show during the stories.
ReplyDeleteCarrying letters, books, and other memorabilia from home seems expected regarding the emotional state of the soldiers, but perhaps the oddest thing a soldier carries is Norman Bowker’s thumb of a dead Vietnamese boy. It seems brutal and strange but maybe it helps the soldier cope. It is the most unexpected thing for a man to carry as a souvenir, especially coming from a man who is “otherwise gentle.” I would more than likely find myself carrying a pen and paper to describe the events and feelings during wartime when given the chance.
For many of the troops, the things they carry shows what they are most scared of or what they believe in. You can tell how they grew up or what they are like. Dobbins carried around his girlfriend's pantyhose because he thought they were good luck, which shows he is superstitious. Kiowa also carries around a New Testament which shows he grew up going to church and believes in God. For some of the soldiers, the things they carried are symbolic of something figurative they carry. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carries a pebble and photos of Martha because he loves her so much. The worst thing that any of the soldiers carried was definitely the dope because fighting your enemy while high is not safe.
ReplyDeleteFor many of the troops, the things they carry shows what they are most scared of or what they believe in. You can tell how they grew up or what they are like. Dobbins carried around his girlfriend's pantyhose because he thought they were good luck, which shows he is superstitious. Kiowa also carries around a New Testament which shows he grew up going to church and believes in God. For some of the soldiers, the things they carried are symbolic of something figurative they carry. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carries a pebble and photos of Martha because he loves her so much. The worst thing that any of the soldiers carried was definitely the dope because fighting your enemy while high is not safe.
ReplyDeleteIn the book “The Things They Carried” the things the men carry help define them by showing the items that comfort the men when they are “humping” through the jungle. You can tell something a little different for each person based only on what they carry. Rat Kiley carried comic books, which showed that he was still young. Kiowa carried the New Testament, which showed he was religious. If I ever went to war I would probably carry my favorite book and a couple pictures to get my mind off the stuff that was going around me.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried in the story showed what kind of a person they were. A weird person, a funny person, a scared person, a rich or poor person, or even a nerdy person. Some men would carry more ammunition then personal items they are probably a little scared but brave thinking about surviving. Some carried drugs to get away from the hurting and the pain and the struggle. Some carried pictures of friends and family to push them to do whatever it takes to see them again. Also, some carried more armor then needed because they are scared and just want to live. Many men feared death, some desired to go home, and some desired to just stay clean and have enough food. Some interesting items men carried include, comics, drugs, pantyhose, sling shot, brass knuckles, and a pebble. The best things you could carry would be protection like a gun or armor to keep you alive. The worst thing is anything that distracts you from being brave and helping your brothers like something from a special someone. The strangest would be worthless weapons and a girlfriends pantyhose, that's very unexpected. If I was going to war I'd carry a picture of my girlfriend a bible and lots of ammunition, and lots of gummy bears.
ReplyDeleteI liked that the novel started with the list of things that the soldiers carried, which immediately helped me to gain an understanding of each of the characters, because most of the things that they brought with them were obvious indicators of their personalities. I think that it helps the soldiers to connect to the people that they were before the war changed them all, and to remind them of better days. It's easy to tell who feared death or who looked to their personal items for strength in the war. Personally, I would take with me a bible and photos of my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI liked that the novel started with the list of things that the soldiers carried, which immediately helped me to gain an understanding of each of the characters, because most of the things that they brought with them were obvious indicators of their personalities. I think that it helps the soldiers to connect to the people that they were before the war changed them all, and to remind them of better days. It's easy to tell who feared death or who looked to their personal items for strength in the war. Personally, I would take with me a bible and photos of my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteBy hearing the things a man was carrying you could tell what was most important to them considering whatever they were carrying was unnecessary weight to carry. By carrying a picture you can tell where the mans mind was really at, the man carrying drugs was obviously just trying to make it through a day at a time, and the man that carries his necessities knew his priorities. The thing that all the men carried together was the times. Then after the war together they would carry stories. Though this seems to be a simple concept the reality is the war itself was the heaviest thing all the men had to carry on their minds day after day. As well as after the war when they will carry memories, whether good or gory. The images, smells, thoughts, and stories will forever be carried in the minds of these men.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried defined them as individuals by showing what was most important to them. What they felt like they couldn’t live without. You can tell what meant the most to them. You could tell how they viewed life and what they valued. Seeing as Lavendar carried tranquilizers he didn’t want to feel the pain of the war. Lieutenant Cross carried the letter from Martha he valued what he thought to be love, he didn’t want to forget what love felt like. Most men carry good luck charms personally I think that was given to them by someone else as a sign of caring. The men held onto the charms to remember someone back home needs me to come home this is their means of protecting me. Bowker and his thumb is the weirdest to me.
ReplyDeleteThe men of war all carried different things and each item meant something special to each man. As some of these items were never a necessity for war, each one was very important to the individual carrying it. Jimmy Cross carried letters as a reminder of his love for a girl from his hometown. Other men carry things such as marijuana, pocket knives, chewing gum, bug repellent, and extra rations of food. One of the most interesting and odd items that one of the men carried was a thumb. Norman Bowker carried the thumb of a dead teenage boy that was cut off. I found this bizarre and did not understand why Bowker would carry it.
ReplyDeleteEvery man has his own unique traits that make him different from the rest. Just like how the things a man carries are different from the rest. Each item they carry with them physically is supposed to give them their extra edge and the things they carry figuratively are usually a hint as to how they will act int the war. I think that the pantyhose were the weirdest thing that anyone was carrying with them just because I think superstitions are silly. If I went to war I would probably carry a photo of my family just to keep me reminded of what I am fighting for.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the men carried expressed to the other men what was important to them. Each person had a vice, whether it be photos and letters, tranquilizers, a hatchet or other misc. objects. Although they were not necessarily necessities, to the individual who was holding the item, it helped them mentally. To the carrier, they were sometimes a burden, but that was the cost to carry memories and physical objects to war. Even if it may not have weighed much, it was often a burden of the holder's thoughts, like the photos of Martha for Jimmy Cross.Some of the good luck things they humped were odd, like the thumb a teenage boy, or the slingshot. I don't honestly know what i would bring if I went to war.
ReplyDeleteMost men when going to war would choose to hold on to the things most dear to them. The things that each man carried not only told about their life at home but who they were in the war. For example "humping" any job specific weapons or tools told the other soldiers in your unit who you are and why you were there. Personal items added a little backstory, and personalized things for each of the men in a platoon. It also gave them something to live for. Keeping a letter from the girl you love or carrying a Bible from your father, anything with sentimental value, or that was from home gave you a reminder of what you had to live for. These sentimental things give you something to fight for. Good luck charms are a different story. While some may hold sentimental value, most are just there because of superstition. Carrying a good luck charm and not a photo of a lover or family (or vise versa) could tell you alot about someone's personality. These things all add character to a group of men, and signify that none of them are the same. The things that a soldier carries with him can show another the true nature of man and why he is really fighting.
ReplyDeleteThe story title explains how during the war the men carried things that they kept that were important to them . The things that these men carried helped define them as individuals because the things they carried were the things that held great value and memories. For example, Jimmy carries the letters from a girl he likes in his rut sack. Many of the other men carry things from before the war when their lives were less difficult. This helps them as individuals by giving them comfort from the horrors of the war.
ReplyDeleteBased on what the men carry, I can see them each individually and see what their life was like . You can figure out their likes and what they love and you can tell so much about their personality. These things that the men carry show that they desire love, their family, and their lovers back home. They value life but they aren't afraid to put theirs out on the line for the ones they love.
Some of the very interesting items I think are the pictures, love letters and Ted Lavenders tranquilizers he carried because he was so scared.
I think that the best thing that the men carried would be the love letters and pictures. The worst thing would have to be the tranquilizers because those eventually killed Ted Lavender and the dead boys thumb that Norman Bowker carried. I would have the say that the weirdest thing would have to be the pantyhose that one man tied around his neck before each mission.
Some things that were unexpected would have the be Norman Bowker and the thumb that he carried with him.
If I went to war I would carry pictures of my family and anything that holds sentimental value to me. I don't think I would carry around a dead boys thumb or a slingshot but those items may come in handy.
The story title explains how during the war the men carried things that they kept that were important to them . The things that these men carried helped define them as individuals because the things they carried were the things that held great value and memories. For example, Jimmy carries the letters from a girl he likes in his rut sack. Many of the other men carry things from before the war when their lives were less difficult. This helps them as individuals by giving them comfort from the horrors of the war.
ReplyDeleteBased on what the men carry, I can see them each individually and see what their life was like . You can figure out their likes and what they love and you can tell so much about their personality. These things that the men carry show that they desire love, their family, and their lovers back home. They value life but they aren't afraid to put theirs out on the line for the ones they love.
Some of the very interesting items I think are the pictures, love letters and Ted Lavenders tranquilizers he carried because he was so scared.
I think that the best thing that the men carried would be the love letters and pictures. The worst thing would have to be the tranquilizers because those eventually killed Ted Lavender and the dead boys thumb that Norman Bowker carried. I would have the say that the weirdest thing would have to be the pantyhose that one man tied around his neck before each mission.
Some things that were unexpected would have the be Norman Bowker and the thumb that he carried with him.
If I went to war I would carry pictures of my family and anything that holds sentimental value to me. I don't think I would carry around a dead boys thumb or a slingshot but those items may come in handy.
The things the men carried help to individualize themselves. You can get a glimpse of their personalities based on what they carry with them. Jimmy Cross carried letters from Martha because he was basically obsessed with her. He was constantly thinking about the times he spent with her. Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers and drugs to calm him down since he was scared. Kiowa, who was religious, carried a Bible and a hatchet. These men carried more than physical objects, too. Jimmy Cross carried his one-sided love of Martha and the guilt of Ted Lavender's death. Lavender carried constant fear, and Kiowa carried his grandmother's distrust of the white man. Some strange and interesting items that other men carried were pantyhose and a boy's thumb. If i went to war, I would carry photos and memories of my family and being back home.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel The Things They Carried, the men carry many things, both mentally and physically. The soldiers obviously all carry the necessities, such as soap, lighters, food, water, weapons, etc. More importantly they all carry the things that define them; Jimmy Cross carries letters and photographs from Martha, Ted Lavender carries tranquilizers and dope, and Henry Dobbins carries his girlfriend’s pantyhose around his neck. The items Jimmy carries can tell you he is a romantic and he longs to be with Martha. The things Ted carries can tell you that he is scared but doesn’t want to show it, so he stays “mellow” to cover up his fear of the war. The things Henry carries can tell you that his girlfriend brings him comfort so he found a way to keep that comfort while he’s away at war (not going to lie this was the weirdest one of all).
ReplyDeleteOne can infer a lot of things about the soldiers' personalities based on the things they carried. The things they carry help give a glimpse of who they are as individuals. Kiowa with his copy of the New Testament shows his upbringing as a religious man, Jimmy Cross with his .45 ACP colt and picture of Martha shows his child-like memories, yet his stern sense of field responsibility, and even Henry Dobbins with his unusual good-luck charm of his girlfriend's pantyhose (This one was definitely the strangest item to me) shows his affection for his girlfriend, even after she breaks up with him in the middle of the book. If I were to go to war, one thing I would for sure carry is a journal, and maybe even a blank book, as the journal would help me cope with the harsh realities and troubles of war by allowing me to write such stories on paper, and a blank book would allow me to convey my experiences of Vietnam in a fantasy.
ReplyDeleteIn the book “The Things They Carried,” the items that each men carry defines what type of person they are. Certain items show how each man deals with situations in the jungle. These personal items comfort the men while they are dispersing through the wild. These items gave these men something to live for, things like letters from their girlfriends or bibles to show their religious views. If I went to war I would carry a picture of my beautiful girlfriend to remind me that I have someone to come home to and a baseball to remind me of my greatest achievements in my teenage years.
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ReplyDeleteThe individuals in the story carry items that they believe are a necessity for them in order to get through the time that they are at war; therefore, it is easy to tell what the priorities of the men are through what they carry along with them. Among these items, many are used for survival. However, many things that the soldiers carry are used to aid their emotional and mental health such as letters and pictures. Due to this, individuals are able to tell what these soldiers value by observing if the items they carry aid their physical, mental, or emotional health. Many soldiers who prioritize their physical health carry extra rations or weaponry. Those who prioritize emotional health carry pictures and letters of loved ones, and many soldiers carried marijuana to help with their mental state. If I were in their shoes, I would carry lots of books on survival because I wouldn't last a day without outside information.
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