The Things They Carried Group

Question:

ladymay
ladymay
Student
College - Sophomore

How were the soldiers treated after returning from the Vietnam War in The Things They Carried?

Rate question:

Posted by ladymay on Thursday October 30, 2008 at 7:45 PM and tagged with characters, the things they carried, treatment, vietnam war.

Answers:


  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    In general, they were treated as outcasts and demonized by many whom they encountered back here in "the world."

    Specifically, many had difficulty adjusting without those whom they had grown so close to over in Vietnam.  Their families expected them to be the same, and they wanted to be the same, but are unable to do so.  Norman Bowker is a good example.  He writes Tim and tells him that he can't keep a job; he's restless; no one understands him or seems to care about understanding him.

    Unfortunately, Tim O'Brien's portrayal of Americans' treatment of Vietnam Veterans is spot-on. They never received a hero's welcome, and for many of them it is too late for us to try to make up for that.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/things-they/historical-context
    http://www.enotes.com/things-they/summary

    Rate answer:

    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Saturday October 10, 2009 at 4:19 PM