Analysis of Characters in The Things They Carried by Tim O'brien

Tim O’Brien skillfully blurs the boundaries between truth and fiction in his literary masterpiece, "The Things They Carried." This captivating narrative offers readers an intimate glimpse into the minds of soldiers, laying bare the emotional and psychological tolls of war. For the seventeen soldiers featured in the story, the physical burdens they carried paled in comparison to the enduring emotional scars that would haunt them for a lifetime. Indeed, it was these intangible emotions that constituted the true weight of their burdens.

Analysis of Characters

Among the items borne by these soldiers, some were palpable, like matches, morphine, M-16 rifles, and M&M’s candies, while others remained abstract, including guilt and fear. Tim O’Brien himself, a Vietnam veteran, grapples with his own complex emotions when faced with the draft notice in June of 1968. Contemplating escape to Canada to evade the war, he confronts a profound inner conflict. Ultimately, the weight of his guilt over potentially shirking his duty and the fear of disappointing his family outweigh his political convictions. Throughout the narrative, O’Brien sheds light on various characters whose support and camaraderie play pivotal roles in his journey. Together, they share the burdens of their past and present, helping one another navigate the treacherous terrain of war.

Kiowa, a Native American soldier, emerges as a beloved figure within the troop, and his untimely death profoundly affects them all. Kiowa brings compassion and humanity to the company, displaying kindness towards his comrades and genuine concern for the people of Vietnam. His calming presence helps others connect with their emotions, fostering a sense of belonging. A devout Baptist, Kiowa carries The New Testament, a testament to his Christian faith. He also bears his grandfather’s hunting hatchet, a sacred relic linking him to his ancestral heritage. Kiowa's tragic demise, as he sinks headfirst into a marshy field due to a mortar round, poignantly symbolizes the wastefulness of war.

Ted Lavender's role in "The Things They Carried" proves significant as the youngest member of the troop and the first to meet his demise. His death marks a turning point in the narrative, signaling the harsh realities of war. Lavender relies on substances like marijuana and tranquilizers to cope with fear, underscoring his role as a symbol of emotional escapism. Lavender's sudden death serves as a stark reminder of the swiftness with which life can be extinguished in the midst of war.

Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, the platoon's leader, carries the weight of unrequited love for Martha, a girl who never returned his affections. Cross's constant daydreaming about Martha distracts him from his responsibilities, resulting in tragic consequences, notably Lavender's death. This loss forces Cross to confront the grim realities of war, transforming him into a more resolute and focused leader.

Conclusion

"The Things They Carried" delves into the lives of soldiers during the Vietnam War, examining the enduring impact of their experiences. The burdens they carried were not merely physical; they were emotionally and psychologically taxing, leaving indelible marks on their lives. These soldiers shouldered guilt, shame, dreams, and hopes. Tim O’Brien's narrative, which pays homage to fallen comrades he considered family, elevates a war story into a poignant love story a  testament to the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of war.

References

1. O'Brien, T. (1990). The Things They Carried. Houghton Mifflin.
2. O'Brien, T. (2009). Tim O'Brien: A Critical Companion. Greenwood.
3. Hager, C. (2013). The Visual Poetry of The Things They Carried. War, Literature & the Arts: An International Journal of the Humanities, 25(1/2), 61-74.
4. Heberle, R. (2005). Tim O’Brien: Trauma and Recovery in The Things They Carried. In M. Bérubé & C. Nelson (Eds.), Higher Education Under Fire: Politics, Economics, and the Crisis of the Humanities (pp. 128-145). Routledge.
5. Kaplan, S. (2019). Imagining Survival in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. In War and American Literature: Literary Studies after September 11 (pp. 89-103). Palgrave Macmillan.
6. Butler, R. (2008). Loss of Faith and Religion in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried. Journal of the American Studies Association of Texas, 39, 1-10.
7. Walsh, M. (2007). 'Speaking of Courage': Trauma and Recovery in Tim O'Brien's 'The Things They Carried.' Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, 48(2), 169-185.