Profanity, War, Killing- Oh My!

Jasmine Jordan (summarizer/ blog master):


So far in the novel it is evident that there is a boastful amount of profound language and humor when the soliders reference to the war and its hostile environment. Why do the soldiers tell jokes about the killing that occurs in the War and why do they use profanity to describe it? 

The "Things" They Actually Carried?

Jasmine Jordan (summarizer/ blog master):

     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.)

Reading Schedule:

Monday-Wednesday: 1/10-12: Chapters 1-5 **Response due

Friday-Sunday: 1/14-16: Chapters 6-13 **Response due

Monday-Wednesday: 1/17-19: Chapters 14-19 **Response due

Friday- Saturday: 1/20-23: Chapters 20-22 **Response due

Monday-Wednesday: 1/24-26: Write down any missing summary notes and complete any of your missing responses!

Welcome!

This is a discussion group about the book "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, for Mr. Gamboa's Modern Lit. class. We will be posting bullet-point summaries, followed by weekly reading questions which need to be answered by every group member (ever single one!) Happy reading =)

-Jasmine J. (summarizer/ blog master)