What can you tell about the men based on what they carry?
Are the literal things they carry symbolic of something figurative they carry?
What do they things show us about what they men value, desire, fear, etc.?
What are some of the more interesting items?
What is the best thing that someone carries? The worst? The strangest?
Which "things" were unexpected? What would you carry if you went to war?
I think the things the men carry define their charater in all ways, as in their personality, backround, and bascially what other people think of that person. For example one man carried dope, so people might think that man is relaxed but has trouble in some situations. I also believe that the men don't carry just items with them in Vietnam, but they also carry their lives. Like O'brien says the men are "humping" things that effect them like Jimmy Cross and Martha or the death of a close friend. The parts of their life also play on the person's personality. If someone carried around the deaths of the people they were close to the person might be come sesitive and closed off to the world around them. So the things that person carried would change them.
ReplyDeleteIn The Things They Carried, some of the more interesting things I found that the men had carried included: a thumb from a dead Vietnamese boy that was carried for luck, a girlfriends pantyhose that was worn around the neck, dope, and comic books. The object that was carried that I found the most interesting and unexpected is the good luck thumb. I found this a rather odd item to take for good luck instead of a pendant or an article of clothing, and I see it almost disrespectful to the person who once owned the thumb. If I went to war the things I would carry other than the essential rations of food and hygiene products, I would take a small pendant that would hold a picture or message from my family and friends to make them seem close. I do not think I would take anything more to avoid adding unnecessary weight to the items I would already need to carry.
ReplyDeleteIn The Things They Carried, the soldiers carried a variety of things. These things all have a meaning to the soldiers and define them as people. Jimmy Cross and his picture of Martha show Jimmy's inability to let the past and his home go. Ted Lavender and his tranquilizers show his fear. Henry Dobbins carries his girlfriend’s pantyhose and shows his longing for love and comfort. Kiowa carried the ceremonial hatchet that shows his heritage. Every item symbolizes the men of Alpha Company in some way or another. They all carry each other through the war because even though some of them wouldn't admit it, they needed the help. I would probably carry a book or something to write in if I was to go to war. I would bring them so I could be able to let the emotions out on paper through words.
ReplyDeleteOne might think when the title of the book, The Things They Carried, is repeatedly read in the first chapter that the author would only be referring to the obvious, physical items. However, Tim O’Brien’s intent runs much deeper. O’Brien wanted to show us not only they physical side, but also the emotional side that often outweigh the physical. All soldiers pretty much carry similar physical items but each also carries something unique along for the journey as well. Kiowa carries a Bible, representing his religious background and the importance he places on religion. Jimmy Cross carries pictures of Martha, representing his feelings for her and indicating that he is somewhat of a sensitive, caring guy. Each man carried something of importance to him for some reason or another. If I was going into war, I would carry a few photos because photos hold great importance for me. I would also carry my cross necklace as a steady reminder of my faith at all times.
ReplyDeleteThe men in “The Things They Carried” carried items during the Vietnam War that only they themselves could have a connection with. They carried personal items that meant something deeper to their personal lives. The things that they carried defined them as individuals and represented who they were before, during, and even after the war. For example, Jimmy Cross carried letters from his possibly unrequited love in college, Martha. This shows that Cross still clings to the past and has a hard time letting go of things. Then there was Henry Dobbins who carried extra rations and his girlfriends pantyhose, Ted Lavender who carried tranquilizer, Lee Stunk who carried a last resort slingshot, and Kiowa who carried his grandfathers feathered hatchet. The items they carried gave an insight on the type of personality they each were and also symbolized what was most important to them during the war. If I were in their shoes, I would carry nothing. The reason why would be because I wouldn't want anything holding me back as a reminder of what I could lose.
ReplyDeleteThough some men mostly carried useful things that would be helpful in battle, all men carry something sentimental. For Henry Dobbins, it was his girlfriend's pantyhose. For Kiowa, it was his grandfather's hatchet. For Jimmy Cross, it was letters from Martha. The reason for this, I believe, would lie in their own personalities. The reason they (physically) carried what they did was to remind them of what they could lose if things go wrong. It's also a reason for them to keep moving on. To sacrifice themselves in order to possibly saved their loved ones back home. It served as comfort when they were upset. It helped them battle their own demons. These men carried many different things for many different reasons. While some men didn't make it, O'Brien made sure that their spirit would still live on and would not be lost on the battlefield of Vietnam, like so many others were.
ReplyDeleteI believe the title of the novel perfectly captures the overall ideas expressed within. By the physical items carried the reader gets a sense of who each character was before entering the war, and how the events in Vietnam would change them. For example, Kiowa carried a New Testament Bible. The shallowest assumption to be made here is that Kiowa was religious, this gives us information on who he was, but the message is deeper. God is not seen, he is a figure we can only imagine. By carrying a bible, Kiowa feels he has a direct connection to God. This connections allows for Kiowa to feel protected by his God, and remember there is more to him than the war can ever define.
ReplyDeleteWhile physical items help the reader truly understand who the men are, mentally all men carry as well. Some things the men carry individually, but there was much carried in common. Individually, Rat Kiley carried the responsibility of treating for any wounded men. Through this we learn Kiley's role as a caretaker throughout the novel and his life, as well as his intelligence. In common the men carried fears; fears of being killed, fears of never seeing their loved ones again, fears of the unknown. The reader gets a feel for all the men have put at stake to be in Vietnam, and how many did not chose their situation.
To say one item is better to carry than another is wrong in my opinion. What was carried by each man, had a significance to them, one nobody else could understand. Whether it be something as simple as comic books, or as extreme as tranquilizers; each item saved the men from living in a completely new world. Each man did what was necessary to survive, and carrying their items would aid them to this survival. There is no best or worst, because truly I can not understand what these men had gone through, I can only imagine. To still define yourself in such extreme circumstances is something beautiful to me, something my criticism or interpretation, or anybody else's for that matter, can not take away.
Reading about what they carried was very interesting to me. Readers were given a glimpse behind their shields of toughness required to face war and into their humanity. Most of the things, I understood the reasons behind them (like all the photographs the men were "humping'), but I did find some irony in one or two of the items. For example, Jensen carries multifarious hygiene products. I find that ironic because one thing about war is that nobody's ever clean. It's dirty work, trekking through fields and digging trenches. I think Jensen wanted to be reminded of home and of human standards. I think he was trying to grab onto the comfort of society and societal standards back home. I don't believe he ever really used them. What Sanders carried was also unexpected and ironic. He carried condoms with him. Like Jensen, I don't think he intends to use them. I think they remind him of home and normalcy, something that is lacking in the raw environment of war in Vietnam. Altogether, what Jensen, Sanders, and everyone else carried was indicative of a need to have something to hold onto for sanity and remind them of the waiting comfort of home.
ReplyDeleteIf I went to war and had to pick things to bring along, I would take something to play music because I love music and most humans do. I could share it with the others. I like really colorful music and if I had some to listen to, it would be a good temporary escape from the hardship of daily life. I would probably want to bring books but they wouldn't be space-efficient. Lastly, I'd pack personal care products like makeup and jewelry and different colors of hair dye just because it's fun and it would be hilariously ridiculous to walk into battle with a full face of makeup.
There is both physical meaning and emotional meaning to what the mean carry at war. The physical items are quite obvious but there is a much more profound significance to some of them. The guns, bombs, and medical items are all used for battle. But the significant items like pictures and a Bible tell more about the character in him. These items create a soft side on many of the men. They are all out fighting and being tough but there is a whole other side to each of them. Kiowa carries the Bible to let people know that it is important to him to have it with him and the practice his religion no matter where or what is happening. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carries pictures of Martha, from back home. Although all of the bad around him is happening with the pictures it gives him some relief and happiness even if they are not in a relationship. All of the men at war had something significant with them to symbolize something revolving around their lives back home. If I had to go to war I would carry pictures of my friends and family to symbolize the love and happiness I have around them.
ReplyDeleteThe soldiers carried many different things in "The Things They Carried." You can tell a lot about someone by the things they carry with them, whether it be physically like comic books, a bible, or a thumb, or mentally like emotions and memories. These things, no matter what they are, can help us know more about that persons background, personality, dreams, etc. I thought that one of the strangest things that one of the soldiers carried was a thumb, and one of the best was the bible. If I was going to war I would take with me food and water, along with a bible and some pictures of the people I am closest with.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the novel there are countless pages on the things the men carry with them from day to day. They all carried things that were necessary to their survival against the enemy such as ammunition, canteens, food rations, etc. Among these items were also items of lesser necessity such as things from their home lives. One man carried a bible while another carried comic books. The items the men carried defined them as an individual and demonstrated what they may have been like back at home. The man who carried the bible, Norman Bowker, could have been religious before joining the army. The man who carried the comic books, Rat Kiley, could've been a kid at heart and that may have showed he was not as ready for the war as other men may have been.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I would see as the strangest item for one of these men to carry would be Norman Bowker because he carried a human's thumb for good luck. If I had went to war I would carry the necessary items along with something from home, as expected. Something to remind me of what I am fighting for and am trying to survive to come back to.
The things the men carry are what define them. Without the unique things they carry they would just be another solider that fights and dies. They carry things physically and emotionally. They carry fear, longing, and memories of their past. They carry physical items such as comic books, pictures of people they miss, a bible, and a thumb. Each thing may seem weird but they make that person unique. The individual items where wildly different, but I think each of them was similar in one way; they helped the person carrying them to cope with the horrors of war. Something that surprised me was the thumb, and something that I thought was cool was the comic books. In all the worry and fear someone thought comic books would be important and I just think that's unique. I don't understand why each of these items helped that person deal with war. But I do understand why they all needed something. I think I would have carried pictures of people I missed.
ReplyDeleteIn the begining of the novel, the narrator describes what everyone carried during war. The items were plain and simple war essentials, including packaged food, water, various amounts of guns, medical supplies, ect. The items in each bag showed the talents and duties each soldier had.
ReplyDeleteMany soldiers had desired to carry other significant items during the war. These items they carry include things that remind them or something or someone back home, a good luck charm, or even a souvenir from the first person they killed. I think the most interesting items were the thumb, pantyhose, and bible.
The thumb was cut off for good luck, the pantyhose brought from Henry's girlfriend also for good luck, and the bible to represent his religion. All of these objects are things that represent their personalities.
I would bring a rosary, so I could say the rosary whenever I felt the need to. I would also bring a picture of my family, so I would never forget that I am loved.
The things each man carried directly represented who they were and what they held close to them while away at war. Ted Lavender, who was killed very early on in the war, carried tranquilizer because he was always so anxious. it is ironic that he ended up being the first man in their calvalry to go. One man carried a bible, showing that he held religion and God very close to him. This was probably very helpful to give him courage during the hard times of the Vietnam War. Kiowa carried his grandfather's hatchet as a reminder of his life back home and the people he was trying to make proud. They "humped" the things that they carried, meaning that they carried these things with them at all times, wherever they went. The most important thing that O'Brien humped were his pictures and love for Martha, which at times distracted him and caused trouble. If I were to go to war, I would carry pictures of close loved ones and my late grandmother's lucky ring so that I always feel as though I have part of my family with me.
ReplyDeleteThe things that these men carry define themselves in not only their jobs in the Vietnam War but also what they are like outside of a war-like setting. Most of the things these men carry are simply for survival or protection. For example, essentially all men carry a compress in case of a fatal injury, a heavy poncho that can be used as a shield from the rain or for comfort. Also, most men also carry M-16 assault rifles with some ammunition and even other men carry grenade launchers. However, all men carry the burden of being in Vietnam, the memories lost back home, and the weight of each other in order to make sure that everybody returns home safely. For instance, the maps and compasses Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carries show that he also carries the responsibility for his men’s lives. Additionally, the medic, Rat Kiley carries morphine, malaria tablets along with other medical supplies to treat serious wounds. This shows that Rat Kiley feels responsible to save the lives of others. The photographs of Martha that Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carries show his love for her. This also shows Jimmy’s desire for Martha to love him back; although, in reality this is a false assumption because she simply writes letters to him as a friend. Also, Kiowa carries a New Testament to show his value of his religion. Also, Ted Lavender carries marijuana and tranquilizers to ease his fear of dying in the war. Some of the most unexpected and interesting items were Henry Dobbins carrying his girlfriend’s pantyhose and Mitchell Sanders carrying condoms. The best that someone carries would be Norman Bowker carrying his diary. The worst thing would probably have to be Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carrying poems, letters, and photographs of a girl who never loved him. The strangest things would be Ted Lavender’s marijuana. If I went to war I would carry my music, my favorite books, and shampoo stolen from a hotel.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the soldiers carried help define them as individuals since each person carried something that is close to them. The things that the men carried shows their human side of compassion, fear, courage, and uncertainty. The literal things that the men carried are also figurative for their human side that is unsure of what every day will bring. The things that the men carry show their beliefs like Kiowa carrying the New Testament to show how close he is with his religion, Jimmy Cross carries a picture of Martha which shows his compassion, Rat Kiley is the medic, so he carries multiple supplies like morphine and a first aid kit, Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers which showed his fear of what could happen, each of the men carry something that represents their feelings. The interesting items included the morphine, marijuana, tranquilizers, and Norman Bowker's diary. The best thing that was carried was the poems, letters, and picture of the girl that Jimmy Cross loved, since it seemed to help him keep going. The worst thing that was carried was the thumb of the boy because it seemed really strange to carry. The strangest thing that was carried would be either the thumb or the New Testament since the men were limited on how much they could hold. The most unexpected thing that the men carried was the boy's thumb. If I went to war, I honestly don't know what I would carry.
ReplyDeleteAll the men had to carry the obvious necessities with them throughout the war, but the personal things that the men carried defined them as individuals, fitting their personalities to a "T". For example, Dave Jensen was clearly a germ freak. He had carried a toothbrush, dental floss, three pairs of socks, and bars of soap. Ted Lavender was scared so he carried tranquilizers to relax himself. Kiowa was a baptist so he had carried a New Testament. The men had different items that he had carried with himself that defined his personality.
ReplyDeleteSome of the items that the men had carried were also symbolic. For example, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross had carried letters from a girl named Martha which he knew never loved him, but hoped that one day she would. He was also given a good luck charm from Martha which was a pebble and he carried it everywhere he went(clearly because he was superstitious).
Honestly, I don't know what I would carry with me at war. The thing (or in my case, my most valuable treasure) would be my cat, Daphne and I would not put her in that kind of danger. I know that if I took a picture of her with me, it would just make me miss her more.
The things they carried all varied. Some had pictures, some had extra weaponry, one even had pantyhose. These items not only help to define the individual but to keep him alive. They instilled in the men a motive to keep going, brought on by the mental memorabilia of the item they carried. Whether it was their girlfriend, their religion, or their lives, without these motives personified in the items on their backs, none of them would have been able to have kept trudging forward. The best item I read about was the toe, and if I went to war I would bring a book. It would remind me that there is a world outside the one I was in now, and if I wanted to go back I'd have to keep going.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the men carried helped define them as individuals because they told us about them as a person, their beliefs, and their superstitions. For example, you can tell that Lieutenant Cross and Henry Dobbins both had a girl back home that meant something special to them because of the letters that Cross carried and the pantyhose that Dobbins carried. I think that Ted Lavender was scared out of his mind to be fighting in the war, because of the tranquilizers he carried with him and took every day in order to make himself and the lifestyle he was living seem more "mellow." Its fairly obvious to anyone that Kiowa believed in God and religion because of the illustrated New Testament that he carried with him. The literal things that they carried were symbolic of their emotions and beliefs in order to help them cope with the war that was raging all around them. To me, one of the strangest items carried were the condoms by Mitchell Sanders. What did he really think was going to happen in that department during his time fighting in the war? In my personal opinion, I think that the best thing that was carried was the Illustrated New Testament by Kiowa because religion is a big part of my life and if I fought in the war I would carry a bible or something similar.
ReplyDeleteThe things that they carried weren't literal objects, they were emotions,strength and memories. You needed to be mentally tough to fight and emotionally ready if you lost any friends along the way.But the real objects they carried were small pieces of who they were or where they came from for comfort,something to remind them of home. Some things that the men carried were letters, books and weirdly enough pantyhose. You might think something as funny as pantyhose are a odd thing to bring but it reminded Dobbins of his girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteBesides the vital needs, if I were to carry some things they might be a picture of my family and my good luck coin. I chose these pieces because its something to look forward to coming home to and living for just as many soldiers things symbolized. Your object may mean nothing to others.
The things that the men had carried defined each man indivually, no man typically carried the same as another. The things they had carried had a special meaning to them and whatever that meaning was, it represented them as their own person not only during the war, but outside of the war as well. Not only did the men carry physical things but emotional things as well. Some things symbolized other things...like the bible for instance, it was more of a representation of his religion before going to war and was hoping to carry throughout his time during the war. I feel as if these men carried some of the most random things with them and you wouldn't think something as little as a pair of pantyhose could have such a huge impact on someone. Showing something could mean a ton to someone but maybe nothing to you. But this is where it really showed how different each individual is. Knowing all of the things the men in this novel carried makes me curious as to what men and women nowadays take with them to war. To me, the most interesting thing carried was the thumb, you would never think to cut off and carry a thumb with you to war so when I first read this I was shocked and kind of disgusted but then when finding out what it represented, goodluck, it made me think about carrying something as odd as a thumb in a whole new way. Times have changed to say the least but do certain things still have a certain effect on someone? Me, personally...I have absolutely no clue what I would carry with me if I went to war. Mentally, probably strength to get me through even the toughest of times and physically, a picture of my family and/or a loved one inparticular.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carry help define them as individuals. Each of the men carry very unique items based on their personality and what they miss from their life back at home. Jimmy Cross carried letters that shows how much he loved Martha and missed her. Dave Jensen fears getting any foot infections so he carries foot powder and extra socks. You can also tell that Kiowa values his religion by the Bible that he carries. All of the men carry something that is directly related to their feelings and/or thoughts. Some men are afraid, some fantasize about their love, and some carry a feeling of regret on their shoulders. Some of the most interesting items that I read about were the M&M’s, the tranquilizers, and the slingshot. I think the worst thing someone carried was the tranquilizers. Men in war should be focused on fighting and protecting their fellow soldiers, not sedated and confused. One of the best items that were carried was Kiowa’s Bible. I think that during depressing times of war and hardship, an uplifting verse from the Bible would definitely help out. The M&M’s were an unexpected item that I read about because although they may be useful if the food supply ran low, they are not a dependable source of food. If I were in the war I would carry photos of my family or my significant other from back home. I would also carry some sort of small trinket that reminds me of something or someone from home. Those objects would be one of the few things to drive me through a tough war.
ReplyDeleteAll soldiers were required to carry certain items to do their jobs. The items being: a standard set of weaponry, ammunition, and food rations. Every ounce carried was grueling on the super long humps (hikes) into the jungles. In addition to the required items to carry, the soldiers also carried a few personal items with them. I believe that all of the items the soldiers carried from their pre-war lives definitely meant something very special to them, if it did not the soldiers simply wouldn’t carry them because of their sheer weight. The objects the soldiers carried showed a lot about them; Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers so that he could take his mind away from the war. Ted carried them to help with his inner fears. Another soldier carried his girlfriends pantyhose, an item quite personal. Each item that the soldiers carried, that was not required, was taken to take their minds off of the war and to relax them. These items were small bits of the reality the men once knew back home and the items were a way to hold on to the past, to give them motivation, and to move forward into the future.
ReplyDeleteEach soldier has a different personality, hobby, lover, or passion. with different traits comes different tokens that they choose to carry with them. For example. Jimmy Cross chose to carry love letters from Martha. The letters were a literal token of the love between Martha and Jimmy but Jimmy chose to bring them to figuratively have Martha with him. Another example is, Dave Jensen. He chose to carry items to keep his personal hygiene in tact. Bringing things like letters and foot powder to war could be what kept the soldiers sane by giving them a sense of normality for a moment. None of the things each soldier chose to bring were a necessity but something personal to hold on to could make or break one of the soldiers. Also, if I were to be going to war, I would choose to bring pictures of my friends and family because pictures are memories and thinking about old times can be an escape.
ReplyDeleteThe things the soldiers carry is determined by their physical and emotional necessity. Some carry extra rations, some carry condoms, while some carry the New Testament. Each of these things have a deeper meaning behind them and show what that individual values over other things. For example, Kiowa carries moccasins and the New Testament because those are the things that calm him during the chaos of war. The thing that I find the most interesting is that Ted Lavender carries tranquilizers because he is scared of war, and to numb the pain, he gets high. The thing that I find the strangest is the pebble Jimmy Cross carries in his mouth as a good-luck charm from Martha. Even though it's odd, it is what keeps him going during war. If I were to go to war, I would carry a religious scripture because religion has always been a big part of my life.
ReplyDeleteThe men in "The Things They Carried" carry physical things to make them feel safe.They all carried rations, weapons, and ammo, but some of the characters carried personal items. Kiowa carries his Bible because he believes it brings him closer to God, Henry Dobbins carries his girlfriend's pantyhose around his neck as a good-luck charm (even after she dumps him), and Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers to numb his fear of war. Jimmy Cross carried a picture of Martha until Ted Lavender dies. Cross blames himself for Lavender's death because he was distracted by Martha so he got rid of the picture and instead carried the guilt of his friend's death.
ReplyDeleteAll of the men carry emotional burdens as well, some of which weigh more than the physical ones. Rat Kiley, the medic, couldn't stop seeing visions of himself and his friends dying so he injured himself as a way of getting out of the war. They all carried the fear of dying and the fear of being a coward.
Each solider in "The Things They Carried," carried many things during their deployment. What they carried was based on their mission. They carried weapons, ammo, equipment, and even personal items. The lieutenant carried photos of Martha a person he loved. He also carried a pebble that she had picked out on the shore line. Ted Lavender carried dope and tranquilizers because he was scared of the war. Henry Dobbins carries extra rations and he carries his ex girlfriend's pantyhose. Kiowa carried a pair of moccasins. Each of these men carried a piece of their past with them. Not only did they carry their physical items they also carried Vietnam with them. If I was ever in a war I would probably carry photos of my loved ones and something that gave me good luck.
ReplyDeleteThe title “The Things They Carry” are not just physical things but emotional things. The things men carry help to define themselves; their items show their values and what they cherish in life. Just by seeing the items in their bags you can see a bit about their personality. A man who carries pictures is normally caring; someone who carries lots of weapons is terrified beyond belief of death, a person with a bible has hope for the future.
ReplyDeleteI think an interesting item to carry at war was the panty hose that Henry Dobbins had from his girlfriend. I get that it would be nice to have an item of a loved one but panty hose were just a little odd. I think the best thing to carry in war besides a weapon would be pictures of your family or people you cherish and a bible. I would label drugs as the worst object to carry because it would distract you from what was right in front of you and puts your life at risk, yet most men insist on having some. I think a strange thing for all the men to carry were the memories of war; they stay with you forever like a pest. If I was in O’Brien’s position I would probably carry photos of my family, a book, hygiene items, a journal, gum, and maybe a few other items. I wouldn’t want my bag to be heavy because I’m weak, so I would pick things I couldn’t live without.
The things the men carried were based upon their requirements based on their job in their company and also each man had things that they carried that they had cherished as an individual. Things that the men carried in accessory to their job defines a mans personality, past, or feelings toward a certain thing. For example in "The Things They Carried" the men carried personal items that they cared about like Kiowa always carried the New Testament gifted by his father which expresses how religious he is, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried letters from Martha which shows his love for her, and Ted Lavender always carried dope on him because relaxation seemed to be very crucial to him. Henry Dobbins had by far the strangest item being carried, he tied his girlfriends pantyhose around his neck to protect himself from the horrors of war and it helped as a good luck charm. The best thing being carried was extra food rations and insect repellent which seemed to be crucial for the war in Vietnam. Last the worst item and most unexpected thing being carried was probably the dope and tranquilizers because it ended up being a factor in the death of Ted Lavender. If I went to war like the men in the book I would pack family photos, a camera to capture moments, and a pocket knife.
ReplyDeleteTim O'Brien spends so much time narrating the importance of what the men carried. There are pages upon pages dedicated to the exact details. This being said, there's something important that goes with the things the men carried. While the soldiers have to carry guns and ammunition, they also carry personal stuff like candy, pictures, thumbs, etc. The men who are so paranoid and worried about the war and staying alive usually have more ammo and guns. They don't need as much personal stuff because they want to assure to themselves that they are coming home. There are spiritual men; men who carry around their bibles just in case they die. They're the men with faith and hope that they're going to a better place. O'Brien tells the readers the weight of every item the soldiers carry. Not only is that a literal weight, but can also represent the figurative weight the soldiers have to carry with them, not just while they're in the war, but for the rest of their lives. They will have the scars and guilt of all that had happened to them follow them forever. The best things the soldiers carry are the ones given to them by their loved ones. Little things that remind them what they're fighting for and pushing them to keep going even when it seems impossible. The worst items are the guns and ammunition. Those are a constant reminder of what they're doing, and what can just as easily be done to them. I think the strangest thing carried was the thumb. While a token from an enemy is understandable, a thumb from a boy just isn't right. If I were in their place I'd carry family photo's and books as distractions from all the destruction around me.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried define them because it shows what they think is important. The things they decide to carry are the most important things they have. They take the things that they need to be in the war. Also, it shows what job they have in their platoon. Some are medics, some carried radios, and carried machine guns. The things they carried are symbolic of what they are carrying. They represent whatever approach they have to the war. Some things show the men face the war by distracting themselves with women, others decide to be drugged the whole time, others use their faith to get through, yet others face the war head on. The men's objects show their fears and what motivates them. Ted Lavender used dope to calm him down. Lt. Cross used Martha's pictures and letters as motivation and distraction from the chaos around him. Kiowa used his Bible as a source of strength. Some interesting items are a hunting hatchet and pantyhose. The best things they carried was all of their personal items that helped them through the war. The worst would probably be the tranquillizers Lavender used. If I were in the war I would carry pictures of my family, books, food.
ReplyDeleteAll of the men carry something, whether its an actual object or if its their thoughts, they are all important to the person that carries them. Everyone in the group carries what the job requires such as rations,radios,guns. These items are key to survival but some of the mpore personal items are what keep the soldiers sane and stable. Everyone in the platoon uses different coping methods to get through the war. Whether it be, drugs,women,faith, or just the will to survive it was enough. Ted Lavender used drugs, the LT. used women and Kiowa used his bible. All of these men used their object to deal with the full on effect of the war. The strangest thing that one of the men carried was the pantyhose. The worst was probably the hunting hatchet, I mean this is war not hunting. If I were in war I would probably wearmy favorite braclet and carry pictures of people in my life.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the men carried represented so much back home in the U.S. It shows them that they have a love interest back home or has to deal with their religion. It might also have to deal with having luck on their side. They had physical necessities like insect repellent, guns, ammo, knives, etc. Some things were private like a bible and pictures of love interests and family back home. The things they carried were more symbolic because it showed them that they had a root to fight for. All the things that they carried showed that they desired to be at home with loved ones. The interesting things that some carried was the stone for Jimmy Cross, and the pantyhose from Henry Dobbins from his girlfriend. To me the worst thing that someone carried was that Lavender carried marijuana with him. If you are fighting a war you should be very clear headed and not in a daze. The best thing that someone carried was Kiowa, who took the New Testament from his father. It showed that he was religious and that the war will not change that. I would bring my favorite candy if I went to war.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried in the war were not just sentimental things that they couldn't let go, they were things that helped them keep their sanity or things that gave them hope. The things they carried also defined a person's personality. Jimmy Cross carried a photo and letters from his love Martha. He held on to the hope that Martha will love him back some day. But the things that Jimmy carried also showed that he held on to false hope, he held on to something that may never be there even when he knows it. Henry Dobbins carried pantyhose around his neck like a scarf from his girlfriend back home for good luck. This also showed that he had a deep affection for her and having the pantyhose helped him stay calm because he believed that she was somehow with him. Anther man carried tranquilizers to keep him calm when there was trouble. Carrying tranquilizers showed that he was a fearful man and that the only way for him to stay sane was this. I believe that carrying something as sentimental as a picture or pantyhose is a bad thing because though it may keep one sane, it can also bring pain and sadness from home, reminders of what one may lose. Carrying something like a bible like Kiowa I believe is something smart because he will never lose his religion and that is something he can hold on to without having to get hurt. If I went to war I would carry a journal and pencils or pens to write in it. Allowing me to always take out my emotions and thoughts on paper, as I wouldn't want to be reminded of what I could lose.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried not only defined them individually but also brought them together as a group. Each man had his own items which were not all tangible. While they carried canteens, ammunition and other equipment they also carried personal things. Most had pictures of loved ones and family members, some had letters. One man carried the pantyhose of his girlfriend around his neck. Even after she broke up with him he still wore them saying that the magic or good luck charm was still there. Some had bibles that symbolized their religion going into the war that would help them get though the war. Together they carried fear and courage. If I were to ever go to war I would carry pictures of my family and friends and maybe a few letters.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried defined them individually. Every man carries something, not just what they have to carry but also what they chose to carry. The things that they carried had a deeper meaning. One guy had a bible so maybe it symbolized his religion being the reason for going into the war or maybe it was just to have faith. Together they all carried fear, courage, and hope. If I ever went to war I would carry pictures and letters.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried were things that they carried upon, some legitmate and some symbolic of their lives. Each person carried something such as Jimmy Cross who carried letters of his love intrest who had written to him back in the states. They may have been just letters, but to Jimmy Cross they were a sign of love and understanding from an outside source. You can say that Jimmy Cross was day-dreamer stuck out of reality, but he was a caring person who believed a lot in love. Another good example is Kiowa he carries something literal, the Bible, he is a very christian person. To others he may seem like a religion nut, but he believes that god is their for him everyday even though he is stuck in the heat of battle. Rat Kiley carries something figurative, as being the medic, he carries the burden of keeping every one safe. To others it seems like a small task, but to him it is a very big burden. The best item to me was the Bible it heps me believe that someone is always watching over me and it helps me cope with the fact that I'm out fighting a war for no real reason. The worst item was Ted Lavenders dope, I would not be wanting to fight a war high. The weirdest item though was panties that Henery Dobbins carried. If I had to carry one thing it would be a Bible because I would know that if I ever need to calm down I could look at it and it would make me feel as if I am protected.
ReplyDeleteThe extra things that the men carried besides the essentials were basically a symbol to the person. A symbol of hope even. Each person had a different symbol of hope like Jimmy Cross had pictures of Martha Orr how Kiowa had a bible. These extra thing just show what type of person they really are. They all carried more than just physical things though. They all carried fear, hope, courage and maybe even faith which bands the soldiers together almost like a family
ReplyDeleteThe author writes on and on about what the soldiers carried, literally and figuratively, throughout the first chapter of the novel. But never once do we hear what the narrator and fellow platoon member, Tim O’Brien, carries until the last chapter. I believe that Tim O’Brien carried the inability to reason with death, into the war.
ReplyDeleteAfter refusing to greet the dead corpse early in his military assignment, Kiowa speaks about how it must’ve been Tim’s first real look at a dead body. Tim flashes back to his childhood friend Linda, dying of a brain tumor. Tim had actually seen a dead body before when he was in the fifth grade. At Linda’s funeral showing, he talks of it not seeming real. The character Tim O’Brien demonstrates that once a traumatic happening such as death happens close to you, it’s hard to reason with it at any other time, such as in the war.
The things the men carry help define them as individuals because what they carry shows what they are passionate about, or what they love, or what they are missing from back home. Some things you can tell about the men based on what they carry would be if their religious, if they have a family back home, or, in a more figurative way, the heartache that they have been through. In many ways, the literal things they carry are symbolic of something figurative they carry. For example, the boy that carries a picture of hi ex-girlfriend is symbolic of the pain he suffered from the breakup and the love that he still has for her. The things show us several things that the men value, desire, fear, etc. For example, Kiowa carries the New Testament which shows he values religion, Henry Dobbins who carries his girlfriend’s pantyhose desires to be with his girlfriend, and I think they all carry things because they fear what would become of themselves if they forgot the things they once loved and valued. The best thing that someone carried was the New Testament that Kiowa had. This was the best because it showed that he valued religion and since it was from his father, it gave him something to use to remember his father. The worst and strangest would have to be the human thumb. This was also one of the more interesting items along with the month or two old Christmas cookies. If I went to war, I would carry a picture of my family so I could look at it and remind myself of why I was fighting.
ReplyDeleteSoldiers in the Vietnam war had to carry the physical items as well as all the fears and worries on their mind, and also things to take away their fears. Things like food, weapons, and medical supplies were used for the troops physical survival. Meanwhile Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins as well as many others kept things to keep them emotionally save. Chess and comic books were carried to let the troop members be calmed at quiet moments. Drugs were also used, mainly on Ted Lavender to ease his thoughts. These different items can infer how each member deals with emotional pain. Some of the weirdest things that were brought would be Lee Struck's tanning lotion, which I wasn't really sure why he would want to be tanning in a warzone. But also like many other comments say, Norman Bowker's good luck thumb was pretty weird. The best thing carried, was not just one thing but really anything personal that each troop member brought because it allowed them to have something personal to fight for. The worst thing that was carried would be their ability to not make better judgment at certain times. Explaining this would be how Curt Lemon and Rat Kiley really shouldn't have been playing a game which involved running around and Lieutenant Jimmy Cross's decision to stay in the field Kiowa died in but also that he didn't listen to Mitchell Sanders when he told him where they were at.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carry help define them as individuals because what they carry is a symbolic meaning whether it's to remember someone from back home or just to keep them sane through the war. For example Jimmy Cross carries pictures of his true love Martha. Even though they carry physical things its also emotional things as well. For example Tim carries dreams about his true love Linda. Even though he has no physical object to remember her by he still dreams about her frequently. Kiowa carries his New Testament because he his a religious person. The strangest thing that was carried was the pantyhose Henry Dobbins carried. The worst thing carried was the tranquilizers.
ReplyDeleteAll the things the men carry help define them as individuals during the war. The characters did not only carry physical weight, but they also carried emotional weight with them throught the war. For example Kiowa carried his copy of the New Testament throught the entire war. And also Jimmy Cross carried pictures and memories of his love Martha. The things everyone carried throught the war truly definded them as indaviduals and it defined their personality.
ReplyDeleteThe various items that the soldiers had gave them their identity. It showed what kind of people they are and will remain to be. You could tell what kind of personality they would have and possibly where they're from. The literal things they carried were symbolic whether it was for a girlfriend, family, or the thought of someone or something that they treasured. The men valued the feeling of being wanted and loved. Cross hung onto a picture of Martha even though he ended up burning it and Dobbins carried his girlfriends pantyhose. I think one of the more interesting items that was carried were the tranquilizers that Ted Lavender carried. One of the better items that was carried would be the bible that Kiowa had. The strangest item that was carried was the pantyhose that Henry Dobbins had. If I went to war I would take a baseball. I would take a baseball because it is a good reminder for me of my friends.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the men carry helps define them as individuals because it shows their personality and if they have a loved one back at home. You can tell that Dobbins is in love because he carries his girlfriend’s pantyhose around his neck. The pantyhose around Dobbins neck weighs more than the object itself. It also represents his girlfriend and how he still loves her. Some of the strangest things they carried was premium dope, condoms, and comic books. I think wearing someone else’s toes was the most unexpected thing in the book. If I went to war I would carry my Nicholas Lidstrom signed hockey puck because he is my favorite hockey player and it would remind me of back home.
ReplyDelete-Dale Davis
The things the men carry help define how each of them copes with the war. For example, Jimmy Cross copes by the thoughts of love and happiness while Ted Lavender just copes by using drugs. You may also tell each man’s mental toughness with how they carry these things. The weapons the men carry could be symbolic for the guilt and temptation of war as well as fear of the entire environment itself. Some of the most interesting items to me are Henry Dobbins pantyhose from his girlfriend, soon to be ex. I also believe the best thing someone could carry is their heart. Oftentimes these soldiers go through horrifying and incomprehensible situations from which many lose their heart and humanity and go on with life obsessing over war and losing their soul. I could never imagine what I would bring if I went to war, but I think the best thing for me would to bring memories… something to hold onto and fight for, those whom I love.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to go to war, I would carry me photos of my family and dogs and letters from my family because they would remind me what I'm fighting for and that there are people who will always be there for me, no matter how much I change. They would remind me to not give up and to keep fighting no matter what and that is what I would need to survive a war mentally and physically. Through those items I would be reminded that I am loved and cared for.
ReplyDeleteThe different things that the men carried gave them individuality. The things that the men carried as necessities outline their fears. Personality traits can easily be inferred by what they carried. An example of this is Ted Lavender carrying dope. From this the reader can infer that Ted is high strong and needs something to get him through the war. Likewise, the reader can infer that Kiowa is religious and his family matters to him because he carries the New Testament. The literal things are symbolic of figurative fears. The things they carry show what the men value. Again for Kiowa, the reader can infer that he values his religious beliefs and his family. Some of the more interesting items would include Kool-Aid packets and women’s pantyhose. Overall I think women’s pantyhose was one of the strangest items. One of the best things that the men carried was the New Testament. If I were to go to war I would carry stationary, a Bible, and photos of my family. I would use the stationary to check in with my family. I would use the Bible to comfort me in times of need. I would also read the Bible when I was bored or before I went to sleep. The photos of my family could also comfort me and remind me of what really matters.
ReplyDeleteThe things each man carried explained more about them as people. I'm going to talk about Ted Lavender. He carried drugs and tranquilizer because he was scared. Maybe he had an emotional problem before the war and was just a nervous guy. I'm sure he didn't want to be in the war, and it's safe to assume that he didn't sign up himself; he probably got drafted, and I think he might have been even more scared and upset than Tim. I think Ted was a big part of the story because his death showed how cruel and unforgiving the war was. Ted was scared to death and probably had better things to do, but he died.
ReplyDeleteIf I went to war, I would probably take the stuffed duck toy I've had since I was little. I still feel guilty when I don't take it on long trips with me. I couldn't leave him alone.
The things the men carried defined them as certain individuals who like certain things and based on the things they carried shows what really mattered most in their life because they were only able to have a certain amount of things. Some men carried a bible, or drugs or a tranquilizer because that is what was most important to them. I wouldn't catagorize things as the best or worst, I respect what each man thinks is most important to them because it may be all they have. If I went to the war, I would carry a bible and a picture of my family and friends because those are the things that are most important to me.
ReplyDeleteI think the most interesting item someone carried was the pantyhose around the neck. I can get it if he's superstitious and Dobbins finds it lucky in some sense, but still that's pretty interesting to me. I don't really think there is a best or worst or most strange thing that someone carries, everything that the men carry mean something to them, individually. The most unexpected thing to me is the thumb. Like to me that is pretty weird and I wouldn't ever imagine carrying a thumb around in a war. If I went to war, I would carry a picture of my friends and the memories of them. It would be something to look forward to and something to fight for.
ReplyDeleteThe items that were carried by the men describe the individual man of what makes them comfortable. What is brought helps the men feel as close to home as they possibly could. From marijuana to a Bible. Also not only did these men carry what comforted them, but what was need for their job as a certain type of soldier. For instances, Medic Rat Kiley, carried morphine, malaria tablets, and supplies for wounds. The symbol of what is carried symbolizes each individual person carries something different inside. Not everyone has the same feelings or ideas. A person never thinks or acts the same way as another person. They carry what they feel is comfortable to them, just as the soldiers carry physically what is comfortable to them.
ReplyDeleteSome men have certain jobs like medic or lieutenant and they carry what is necessary for there jobs. All soldiers whether they have a certain job or not would carry things that made them comfortable. For example the medic Rat Kiley would be the only one to carry morphine and bandages for wounds. The things they carry are symbolic to the life they left behind and hope o go back to. There is now way to define what was the worst, best, or most interesting thing that was carried. Each man had there own objective with there personal items. If I were to go to war I would take pictures and letters of my friends and family.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the men carry define them as individuals because because every single one of them carries different things. As it was their choice to decide what they wanted to carry, each person is individualized. Though all the men have very similar jobs, they are individualized as they all decide to carry very different things. Not only do the things the soldiers carry define them physically, but they also define them emotionally. The things they carry show who the soldiers are as a person. For example, Jimmy Cross holding photos of the girl he loved, Martha, shows that she is one of the most important people in his personal life back at home. The things that the soldiers carry show that they are not just inanimate people that recklessly kill to fight for their country, but that they are real human beings that have real goals and real dreams. The award for the most interesting items someone carries, would have to go to Ted Lavender for carrying tranquilizers and dope. The items Ted Lavender carries really makes you think; how scary would war have to be for someone to carry drugs to relieve the fear and worries that exist inside them? The best item someone could carry would have to be Mitchell Sanders carrying condoms. It is obvious that Sanders would not actually use them for what they are meant for, since he is in Vietnam. However, it shows that he is actually a very smart person, as condoms are like water bottles that weigh next to nothing, and you can fit almost anywhere. The worst and strangest thing someone was carrying was Norman Bowker carrying a human “good luck” thumb. If I were to go to war, I would bring family photographs and the metal I earned wrestling at states.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carry help define them because they represent more than who they are such as where they came from and their individual beliefs. They may also help show what’s most important to them.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell things such as religion or superstition just by some of the things that the men carried. You can also tell what each man’s job was in whatever platoon they were assigned. For instance medics carried different supplies than the machine gunner and both of those men carried different supplies than the first lieutenant.
Not all things that the men carried are literal things but some were figurative. For example, the first lieutenant had the burden of carrying the responsibility of his men’s lives. Others carried the burden of fear and they all carried the burden of the war.
Some of these things showed that these men feared death such as Lee Strunk who carried a slingshot as an extra weapon and others felt scared such as Ted Lavender who chose to carry drugs with him to relax. Others, such as Rat Kiley, valued the little luxuries such as M&M’s and brandy.
Some interesting items included Henry Dobbins girlfriend’s pantyhose which he carried around his neck, the thumb carried by Norman Bowker for good luck, Lee Strunk’s tanning lotion, and Mitchell Sanders carrying condoms.
Some of the best things that people carried included toothbrushes and toothpaste, Dr. Scholl’s foot powder, comic books and a bible, and also photographs of their loved ones. The worst thing that all of them carried were the weight of others dying around them and the emotion that goes along with the threat of being killed. The strangest things carried around were infections and diseases. Also strange things that were carried around were superstitious items such as rabbit’s feet.
Some unexpected things that were carried included packets of Kool-Aid, soap and hygiene equipment, a strobe light, and it was unexpected that most of them didn’t wear underwear. If I went to war I would probably carry what was required along with pictures of loved ones, candy, some reading material, a pillow, something to keep me busy such as a Rubix cube, a toothbrush, shampoo, and bug spray.
What these men carry defines all them very differently. These things really strip these men down and show they are so much alike, yet so different. Jimmy's picture of Martha shows he just wants his normal life back and to begin his future with her. He doesn't want to think about a day where they won't be together. Ted carrying pot shows he wants to be able relax, and forget about the fear that hangs on to him. The really interesting items to me were the thumb and the condoms.
ReplyDeleteThen there are the metaphorical things all these men carried. These are the ones that resonate with them and stick with them for a long time. The fear of death, which all the men carried. Or the burden of being responsible for everyone's life like the lieutenant had.
If I were in war, I would carry a picture of my grandfather. He was a sailor in World War II and it would give me the strength to get through the war the way he did many years before my self.
I believe that all men carry something that helps them deal with the fear of the war. For instance, Jimmy carries the picture of Martha in hopes that they can grow to love each other when he returns from the war. Also, Rat Kiley carried the M&M candy because he wanted the extra sweets. Henry Dobbins carried his girlfriends pantyhose around his neck for good luck. All these things that they carry helps them keep connected with their past and it helps drive them to keep grounded. If I were in a war, I would carry photos of loved ones. This would help keep me going and drive me to stay alive.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carry definitely tell a lot about them. Rat Kiley carries comic books, which gave me the impression that hes probably younger (or maybe just a kid at heart). Kiowa carries a New Testament bible, giving the assumption he is a Christian. Dobbins carries extra C rations because he is a big guy. However the things they carry also tell a lot about who they are on the inside. Ted Lavender carried tranquilizers because deep down he carries a fear of being at war. Jimmy Cross's pictures of Martha show that he is bringing along his love for the woman. If I were to ever go to war I would take my Bible and some Twinkies, because neither of them can go bad!
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried showed their character. Jimmy's photo shows how he wants to stop fighting and go home to go to Martha and leave the war behind him. Ted's Tranquilizers show that he was afraid and was looking for a way of comfort and found that in sedatives because he was afraid of what would happen to him. Norman's Lucky thumb was surprising to me because of how weird it was. The thumb shows how he is scared of what will happen and wants some piece of luck to hold on to. Even though to him it was lucky it still seems shocking to me that he would do that. In addition to just items they carried they carried with them emotions of fear, doubt, and guilt. All of these things they carried showed who they were as a person. If I were to go to war, I would probably bring some item to remind me of home so I would feel a little less lost with a piece of home with me.
ReplyDeleteThe things that the men carry define who they are. At this point it is really all they have and the only thing that will make them different. You can tell not only what position a man held, for example Rat Kiley would carry different equipment than the other soldiers because he was a medic, but also what type of a man he was. Rat Kiley was a man who missed some of the little things from home like M&Ms. Ted Lavender carried marijuana, he was a man who needed something that would relax him. Kiowa was a religious man so he carried a bible. The things these men valued enough to carry define who they are. Along with literal items these men also carry emotional burdens. Rat Kiley has to deal with the gore and bandaging up his companions. Tim O'Brien has to carry the burden of knowing that he was a coward and now risks his life for a war he disagrees with. These men all carry the heavy weight of fear. It is these emotional burdens that may weigh more than the physical objects they have to carry. The craziest item had to be the pantyhose that Dobbins carried. The fact that he believed they provided him with good luck is hilarious even though he did have remarkably good luck. The worst item carried was probably the human thumb. I would just be uncomfortable having that. If I were fighting in the war I would probably carry a picture of family and loved ones so that I could always remember who I was fighting for.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men shows who the soldiers are, it defines them as a character. It also shows the differences between them. Jimmy Cross carries the picture of Martha, Kiowa carries his Bible to remain close to God, Henry keeps his girlfriend's pantyhose as a sort of good luck charm, and Ted carries the tranquilizers to rid his fear of war. Each of these aspects show just unique they are. It's also not to forget the emotional burdens that the men carry. O'Brien will always have that burden of accidentally causing the death of Kiowa. Along with their emotional burdens they also carry their past and Vietnam with them. What I would carry in war is anything that reminds me of my home and family like photos.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carry help define them as individuals by defining there fear and showing how afraid they are to leave and not come back who they once were. Based on what the men carry you can tell what they care about most during a time of fear and so that the men remember, there is more to life than just war. What the men carry show us that they value life over war. The most interesting and strangest item carried around was the little boys thumb by Norman Bowker. The best thing carried around was the bible by Kiowa because it showed he valued learning for hope to make it through a hard time. The worst thing carried around was the rabbit foot by Dave Jensen because it is cliché and is superstition to bring luck to those who have it, so it was not meaningful in his life. Many things were not expected to me because people value life in different ways so they have things that have more meaning to them than they would to others. If I were to go to war, I would bring along a bible that would have photographs of my family so I can see hope and read about faith to help me survive the best I can in a hard situation.
ReplyDeleteThe things they carried were symbols of who they are. It really showed who they are as individuals, and what things were important to them in life. Like Jimmy Cross, who carried a picture of the woman he loved; what they carried gave them hope. It gave them a reason to make it out of this war alive. It reminded them of what they were fighting for. Jimmy's picture was my favorite item, because he loved her and wanted to make it through this war so he could be with her again. The strangest item to me was Ted Lavender's tranquilizers. If I went to war, I would carry pictures of my friends and family to remind me of home.
ReplyDeleteThe things each individual soldier carries describes them as the actual person they are, along with their job in the war. Their fears, memories, and personality is described by the things they carry. The objects may represent what they long for in their future, what they hope for, or the type of man one may hope he returns home as. In some cases some men may carry certain objects to give them a sense of comfort or strength. To give them hope or remind them that their situation is only temporary. One of the men carries a sling shot, which may represent that he is afraid, but tries to keep himself comforted with the fact he is prepared with a last resort if needed. Another man carries dope, which could represent that he is more relaxed, but may need an escape from reality when nervous or uncomfortable. The strangest item carried by one of the men is the thumb of a dead man, but I really like how it represents a moral to the carrier. A few things I would carry would obviously be a few photos of family, friends and memories. But I would also probably carry a little bag or jar with small things from home, along with small things from the war that represented an event or emotion, to remind myself that once I return home my life before the war will never be the same, that my experience in Vietnam will always effect me, and that the war will forever be a part of me. I would probably bring something like a pocket knife that could serve multiple purposes, but would also be something that I can use to carve or create something because art helps me relax and have a little escape from reality. But all in all, who knows what I would really bring to war.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carried with them in the war definitely tell a little something about one another. Dobbins carries extra C rations with him which tells you that he either has a big appetite or is a heavier set fella. Kiowa carries a New Testament bible which tells you that he's a Christian. Rat Kiley carries with him a few comic books which tells me that he has a sense of humor and is still a relatively young guy. Ted Lavender carries tranquilizers with him to ease all the stress he has from the war. Jimmy Cross carries a picture of his girlfriend which shows that he a caring and loving person. If I went off to war I would take with me a picture of all my friends and family to help me remember who I'm fighting for.
ReplyDeleteWhat a man carries defines him and his character. It’s symbolic to them and the meaning of that item. Like how Norman Bowker carried a diary probably to write down all the events and to help him express his feelings. Also Jimmy Cross carried a picture of Marta because he wanted to return home so that their love for each other can grow. Rat Kiley carried comic books with him so he could be with his inner child. Kiowa carried the New Testament, and ted lavender that carried dope which means he was probably really laid back. Some more interesting items that men carried were Mitchel sanders carrying condoms that was probably the strangest of them, the best item was hygiene products and the worst was the thumb. if I went to war I would carry a couple pictures and a golf medal.
ReplyDeleteThe things the men carry symbolize who they are as an individual, each one carries something different. They choose what they want to carry into the war which helps you get to know them as a person. Jimmy Cross carried pictures of his love Martha. Which showed his love for her. Kiowa carried the New Testament which showed how important religion is to him. The most interesting thing someone carried was a slingshot when they carried guns. His reasoning is the slingshot never runs out of ammo. it was like security to him. If I were to carry something it'd be pictures of my friends and family to remind me of what's waiting at home. It'd give me strength to keep going and fighting.
ReplyDelete