The Things They Carry

There are several themes illustrated in the book “The Things They Carry” by Tim O’Brien. The narrator brings out these themes at different occasions using different characters in his book.
One theme seen in the story is that of burden. The characters in the book carry with them many things; both literal and metaphorical. Though they carry heavy physical loads, they also carry emotional burdens. Each physical burden underscores an emotional burden. For example, Henry Dobbins carries Martha’s pantyhose with him, longing for her love and comfort. Likewise, Jimmy Cross has compasses and maps, and with the responsibility for the men he is in charge of. During the war, all the members of the Alpha Company have the burden of fear. They experience fear at some point but showing it will make them vulnerable to the enemy or even sometimes cruel fellow soldiers. After the war, the men carry the psychological burdens. Those who were able to survive in the battlefield carry guilt, grief and confusion. They are having a lot of difficulties in coming to terms of their experience. Jimmy Cross reveals to O’Brien that he has not forgiven himself for the death of his fellow soldier, Ted Lavender (O’Brien 27). Norman Bowker’s grief and confusion are so much strong that he is prompted to drive carelessly around his hometown, he also writes a letter to O’Brien explaining that how he never felt right after the war. The author also carries the burden of the Vietnam War, and he decides to share it with us through the collection of his stories.

Another theme constantly shown in the book is that of shame and guilt. Soldiers felt that they had an obligation to go to war for fear of embarrassment. In the story “on the rainy river” O’Brien explains his dilemma after receiving his draft notice; he does not want to participate in the unjust war, but he does not want to be seen as a coward. The feeling of shame follows the soldiers to the war front and act as a motivating factor. O’Brien intends to flee to Canada, but he is concerned about what his family will think about him (O’Brien 37). So, he stays and fights. The survivors felt guilty for not doing enough to save their fellow soldiers. Norman Bowker feels shameful for not winning The Star of Valor. He thinks he would have won it if he had saved Kiowa. Shame and guilt follow him until he eventually commits suicide.
The theme of loneliness and isolation is also depicted in the book. O’Brien argues that at the time of war, loneliness and seclusion are destructive forces just like ammunition. He says getting spooked can get one killed (O’Brien 135). He emphasizes it repeatedly by showing the impact of worries, thoughts, and fears on the soldiers. In “The Ghost Soldiers” O’Brien takes advantage of the power of isolation and attempts to scare Bobby Jorgenson while he was on the night duty. After the war, loneliness followed the soldiers who survived. For example, Jimmy Cross feels bereaved because, after the war, his hope for happiness in Martha is sunk by her rejection. In “Speaking of Courage,” Norman Bowker is feeling empty and isolated and he drives aimlessly around his hometown. In emphasizing the ill intentions of his plot of revenge, O’Brien reflects on his fear of being detached from the world outside.
The author, who is the narrator of the story repeatedly, emphasized different themes in his story. However, these themes together, tell of the reality of the soldiers; both during and after the war. The impact of war on the soldiers is seen throughout the story.
Works cited
O’brien, Tim. The things they carried. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009.