The reasoning behind the title "The Things They Carried," is directly addressed within the first chapter of the book and it is then elaborated on through each character's personal story. As we address each character's internal struggle that is carried into war, decided/ list what "burden" each character is actually facing (whether its an emotional burden, physical item, or both).
(Note, characters include: First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Ted Lavender, Dave Jensen, Kiowa, Mitchell Sanders, Norma Bowker, Rat Kiley.)
Jasmine Jordan (summarizer/ blog-master):
ReplyDeleteEvery item that the men bring with them to war is a symbol of what significant treasure they left behind when drafted into the war or reveals something about their personality. Whether its a physical reminder of someone they love or a symbol of a fear they brought into or developed during their adventure.
*Lieutenant Jimmy Cross: carries letter from a girl named Martha, who he is in love with(he often wonders if she loves him back)
*Henry Dobbins: likes to eat and carries extra food
*Ted Lavender: scared/ paranoid person and carried tranquilizers
*Dave Jensen: carries soap and a toothbrush and was afraid of disease
*Kiowa: carries a bible and is a dedicated Baptist from Oklahoma, Oklahoma
*Mitchell Sanders: carries condoms
*Norman Bowker: carries a diary
*Rat Kiley: carries comic books