The Baggage of Jimmy Cross in "The Things They Carried"

War has always been known to burden soldiers with physical and emotional baggage. Tim O'Brien's novel, "The Things They Carried," explores the weight carried by soldiers during the Vietnam War, both literally and metaphorically. Among the characters in the novel, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross stands out as a prime example of the emotional baggage that soldiers carry. Through his character, O'Brien examines the devastating effects of guilt, love, and the burden of leadership on a young soldier. This essay will analyze the various aspects of Jimmy Cross's baggage and how they shape his experiences during the war, ultimately shedding light on the broader implications of war on the human psyche.

The Weight of Guilt

One of the main aspects of Jimmy Cross's baggage is the burden of guilt that he carries throughout the novel. As the platoon leader, he blames himself for the death of Ted Lavender, one of his soldiers. O'Brien writes, "He had loved Martha more than his men, and as a consequence, Lavender was now dead" (O'Brien 15). Cross's guilt over his preoccupation with Martha, a love interest back home, weighs heavily on his conscience, making him question his ability to lead and protect his men. This guilt acts as a constant reminder of the responsibilities he carries as a soldier.

Moreover, Cross's guilt is further amplified by his inability to forgive himself. Despite the fact that the death of Lavender was not directly caused by his negligence, Cross believes that he failed his duty as a leader. This guilt becomes a driving force in his actions and decisions throughout the war, shaping his character and leading to a deeper understanding of the psychological toll that war takes on soldiers.

The Burden of Love

Another significant aspect of Jimmy Cross's baggage is his overwhelming love for Martha. Martha represents a symbol of comfort and escape from the harsh realities of war. Cross carries her letters and photographs, a physical reminder of his emotional attachment to her. However, this love becomes a burden that distracts him from his duties and responsibilities as a soldier. O'Brien writes, "He was just a kid at war, in love. He was twenty-four years old" (O'Brien 5). Cross's deep affection for Martha clouds his judgment and hinders his ability to make rational decisions in the face of danger, ultimately resulting in the death of his men.

Through Cross's character, O'Brien explores the conflict between love and duty, and the heavy price that soldiers pay when their emotional attachments interfere with their roles as soldiers. This burden of love weighs heavily on Cross's heart and becomes a significant factor in shaping his experiences during the war.

The Weight of Leadership

As the platoon leader, Jimmy Cross carries the weight of leadership on his shoulders. He feels responsible for the lives of his men and the decisions he makes. O'Brien writes, "He would slip away into daydreams, just pretending, walking barefoot along the Jersey shore" (O'Brien 10). Cross's daydreams reflect his desire to escape the harsh reality of war and the immense pressure he faces as a leader.

Additionally, the burden of leadership leads Cross to question his own capabilities and constantly strive for perfection. He burdens himself with the thought that he must be a flawless leader in order to protect his men. This burden of leadership becomes a constant source of stress and anxiety for Cross, further adding to his emotional baggage.

Conclusion

In "The Things They Carried," Jimmy Cross's character serves as a powerful representation of the baggage carried by soldiers during the Vietnam War. The weight of guilt, love, and leadership shape his experiences and ultimately reflect the psychological toll that war takes on individuals. Through Cross's story, O'Brien highlights the devastating effects of war on the human psyche, shedding light on the broader implications of war on soldiers.

War leaves soldiers burdened with not only physical items but also emotional baggage. Jimmy Cross's journey in "The Things They Carried" serves as a reminder of the profound impact that war has on individuals, and the weight that they carry long after the war is over. It is essential to recognize and understand this baggage in order to foster empathy and support for those who have served in war zones. By exploring the complexities of Jimmy Cross's character, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the lasting effects of war and the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of soldiers.

Bibliography

O'Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. Broadway Books, 1990.