The Emotional and Physical Burdens of War in The Things They Carried

In the short story "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, the author effectively captures the predicaments faced by soldiers during the Vietnam War. Each soldier carries both literal and symbolic objects that serve as a link between the past and present. These symbols act as a distraction from the harsh realities of war, allowing the soldiers to momentarily escape into their thoughts.

One example of this is seen in the character of Lt. Jimmy Cross, who carries a letter from Martha. This letter helps him momentarily forget about the looming death and allows him to dream about love. Similarly, Rat Kiley finds solace in reading comedy, using it as a means to create a sense of security in a world where atrocities are the norm.

O'Brien skillfully blends fiction with real-life experiences to capture the grim realities of war. The central theme of the story revolves around the physical and emotional burdens of war. Each soldier carries an object that represents the difficulties they face, whether it be morally or physically. These objects can include military gear or items obtained from those left behind.

The emotional burdens experienced by the soldiers include the constant terror that surrounds them, the grief of losing fellow soldiers, and a deep longing for loved ones. For example, Dobbins carries his lover's pantyhose as a reminder of his life back in the USA and the comfort that his girlfriend offers. It symbolizes his desire to escape the current reality of terror and find solace in love.

Lt. Jimmy Cross carries a physical burden in the form of a compass and map. As the leader of his men, he must show strength and resilience to avoid demoralizing his subordinates. Even when faced with feelings of terror, he must fight them off to protect his troops from psychological vulnerability. He also carries a letter from Martha, his love interest, but is unsure of her true feelings for him. This uncertainty weighs heavily on his heart and symbolizes the emotional burden he carries.

The theme of emotional burdens continues even after the war. Survivors of war often struggle with distressing psychological burdens that persist long after the conflict ends. Jimmy Cross, for example, grapples with overwhelming guilt over the death of Ted Lavender, a fellow soldier. Norman Bowker also experiences deep emotional turmoil after the war, unable to reintegrate into society. O'Brien uses the symbol of a lake to represent Norman's predicament and foreshadow his eventual fate.

The setting of the story further exemplifies the theme of emotional and psychological burden in war. The story takes place in Vietnam, with various settings portraying hardship, fear, and shame. One such setting is the village of Than Khe, where Jimmy leads his men in a vicious offensive that leaves the village in ruins. This destruction mirrors the devastation experienced by the soldiers themselves.

The author also uses characters to convey underlying events and feelings. Martha, though physically absent from the war, plays a significant role in the story. She sends mixed signals to Jimmy about her love for him, sometimes distracting him from his duties as a leader. Even in the face of death, Jimmy's thoughts are consumed by Martha. Another important character, Kiowa, serves as a source of emotional support for the platoon. He helps Jimmy confront his guilt and provides an avenue for emotional catharsis.

In conclusion, Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" skillfully portrays the burdens faced by soldiers during war. The story highlights the physical and emotional weight carried by soldiers, urging readers to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who put their lives on the line for the sake of others' peace.

1. O'Brien, Tim. "The Things They Carried."