Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried"

What is the story saying about the theme of war? Include specific quotes to bak p your points.

One of the major themes I noticed throughout “The Things They Carried” was emotional security. Throughout the story, many different items were mentioned which the soldiers would carry along with them voluntarily. Some were necessities, others were for purely for “superstit[ous]” (347) but either way the items they hold with them is for their emotional being. For example, the protagonist carries “letters from” (341) Martha in hope that those letters would become history of the beginning of their “love” (341) life. Lieutenant Jimmy Cross also carried not one but “two photographs of Martha” (342) demonstrating the fact that he longed for a loved one to essentially come home for. Having those pictures made him feel more secure knowing that there was someone that might be able to evolve into his significant other. The fact that one of the men “always took along his New Testament”(345) signifies the importance for his continuation of his spirituality which in terms brings people emotional security.

Masculinity was also a major theme I noticed. Even though everyone was afraid of death out in combat, they still “carried themselves with poise” (351) and dignity trying to prove they’re a man and they still have control of their egos.  It even states that even though the men were “afraid of dying […] they were even more afraid to show it” (351) which is an example of the men’s enflamed egos. Although, I can understand how men at war would have this kind of outlook because they are already stripped of everything they have. They are taken away from their homes and families and all they can keep a good grasp of is their manhood and “their reputations” (352). The men felt the need to show that they aren’t “cowards” (353) which also contributes to the basis of their manhood.