The Things The Things They CarriedThey Carried

By Tim O’BrienBy Tim O’Brien

“The Things They Carried”

Lt. Jimmy Cross carries his love for Martha and the responsibility for his men – a conflict

Commentary on the Vietnam War - "By daylight they took sniper fire, at night they were mortared, but it was not battle, it was just the endless march, village to village, without purpose, nothing won or lost.” – as a Vet. what is O’Brien saying about this war?

Defenses – Language & Jokes – “greased,” “offed,” “zapped while zipping”

Literary Devices -

Characters Lt. Jimmy Cross

Rat Kiley

Ted Lavender

Kiowa

Henry Dobbins

Norman Bowker

Tim O’Brien

Mitchel Sanders

Tim O’BrienTim O’Brien

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In Class EssayIn Class Essay1.1. Plan ahead – outline due tomorrowPlan ahead – outline due tomorrow

2.2. Have a clear thesis statementHave a clear thesis statement3.3. Use two quotations from the novel that will support your thesisUse two quotations from the novel that will support your thesis

4.4. Use organization (introduction, body, conclusion)Use organization (introduction, body, conclusion)

Thesis Statement Have a focused sentence that answers one of

the questions

Quotations Choose 2 to use!

Always lead in to quotations

I.e.: O’Brien explains to his reader that “a true war story is never moral” (46).

Question 1- claim that this theme is the most important

Bravery “On the Rainy River” – I was a coward, I went

to war (talk about the differences between being a coward and bravery to O”Brien)

“The Dentist”- Needing to prove he is brave

Responsibility “The Things They Carried” (Cross’

responsibility for his men

“In the Field” (Discussion of requiring blame)

Question 1- claim that this theme is the most important

War & Love “Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong” – Mary

Anne Bell and Mark Fosse

“How to Tell a True War Story” – Sister who never writes back

“The Lives of the Dead” – Love of Linda

Figurative vs. Literal Weight “The Things They Carried”

Question 2: Guilt Thesis: Guilt causes the men in The Things

They Carried to….

Cross’ guilt over Lavender’s death

O’Brien’s guilt in “The Man I Killed”

Enemies/Friends

Guilt they all feel over loss of Kiowa

Question 3: Change Opinion?

Trace your observations of O’Brien from start to finish…

What was your initial feeling about O’Brien (“On the Rainy River”)?

Did it change during “The Man I Killed”?

How did it end during “Field Trip” and “Ghost Soldiers”?

Question 4: Storytelling

Use “Spin,” “How to Tell a True War Story,” and “The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong” to get notes on what a true war story is.