Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Carried so Much More
The main premise of O'Briens, "The Things they Carried", is not just a list objects, but one where each item is substancial to that soldiers psyche. They hold a distinct power over some men that everyone can relate to, but then again can't. These things can be the extremely personal that not only reflect the soldiers personal lives, but their hopes of returning to something they feel is normal. That photo of a loved one or that special piece from home are not just miniscule objects, but tangible items linking to the real world. The world they want to remember not this inverted hell that they must walk through day after day. The characteristics take on a whole other meaning in that the item being a simple memento, to one that might give them the strength to last the war. They are completely relatable items to a normal person such as, a photo, a bible, or even candy ,but to those fighting they are memories, hopes, values, or maybe just something to hold on too. They mold them into abstract pieces of that persons life that they don't want to lose away from home. Rat Kiley carried comic books which even though simple, likely gave him a sense of home and safety, but the second his eyes turned off the page it was back to the harsh reality of having to stare death in the face almost everyday. These things amount to be a heavy burden, like how in the story the exact weight was given for every piece of equipment a solider carried, but its not just talking about the physical weight. O'Brien instead conveys a message that no matter how heavy all of the equipment was, it will never equal the weight of those few personal items. Those items are so valued and emotionally charged that they help maintain a soldiers humanity. Without them that person becomes less human essentially and their mind is allowed to go unchecked through the experience of war, but its these items that keep them grounded and that keep them alive.
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I agree with the message you said Tim O'Brien was conveying in The Things They Carried. Without out those few personal items they lose their sense of being. To lose ones self of being in war can be extremely dangerous leaving the soldiers mind to let wander about while every step could be your last. These items are essentially to the soldiers mentality, it keeps them sharper for themselves mentally, along with a better sense of belonging within their group.
ReplyDeleteI also agree on the importance Tim O' Brien shows in personal items. Beyond the standard equipment or gear one is required to carry there are much more things that to an individual may be more important to bring along with them. Say you brought a picture of your family along with you for instance. I feel as if this would help to give you the strength and encouragement to make it home safely, by looking at what you have back at home. Also, you wouldn't feel so alone knowing that they all are waiting for you to return and thinking about you everyday. War is one of the most difficult things to be a part of because your life is on the line every single day. It isn't only about fighting for your country, but also fighting to make it home to your family. Without these personal items you may also not be nearly as sharp or clear headed as you should be, and war is probably the worst time for you not to be sharp.
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