The Things They Carried Group

Question:

kellen
kellen
Student
High School - 12th Grade

What does Henry Dobbins use? What does he do with it, and why does he still keep it even after his girlfriend dumps him?

Rate question:

Posted by kellen on Tuesday March 3, 2009 at 10:57 PM and tagged with characters, henry dobbins, the things they carried.

Answers:

  1. mr-robitaille
    mr-robitaille Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Henry Dobbins carries his girlfriend's pantyhose. He keeps them tied around his neck, supposedly for good luck. Ironically, he continues wearing the pantyhose even after she dumps him, saying that they're still lucky. Maybe he likes the way they feel around his neck. Or maybe he the pantyhose are simply his strongest connection to home, and he is unwilling to let go of how they have made him feel.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/things-they/

    Rate answer:

    Posted by mr-robitaille on Wednesday March 18, 2009 at 12:01 PM

  2. msoell
    msoell Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    This goes back to the "things" these men carrying having more than just concrete weight associated with something. For these men, everything they carry has a certain "weight" attributed to it. For example Dobbins panty hose weigh more than the 1 lb concrete weight. They weigh more because they symbolize home or love; even if that was in the past, there may have still been love there. They are also a shield or a symbol for a more literal meaning that just panty hose. If you begin a journey or an experience with something, you don't feel right when you don't have that "thing" with you. This could be transcribed in all areas and aspects of life.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by msoell on Wednesday September 30, 2009 at 2:18 PM