The Things They Carried Group

Question:


gangstamookie

What is a quote for each character (whose thoughts and feelings we know) that supports the point of view in the story.

I believe that the story is written in a 3rd person omniscient p.o.v. but I'm not sure why this is appropriate for this story.

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Posted by gangstamookie on Sunday February 3, 2008 at 2:25 PM and tagged with character, feelings, point of view, quote, the things they carried, thoughts.

Answers:

  1. mrou03
    mrou03 Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    I'm assuming you're referring to the short story The Things They Carried, rather than the novel.  Here are a few ideas:

    Ted Lavender: "But Ted Lavender, who was scared, carried 34 rounds when he was shot and killed outside Than Khe, and he went down under an exceptional burden, more than 20 pounds of ammunition, plus the flak jacket, and helmet and rations and water and toilet paper and tranquilizers and all the rest, plus the unweighted fear." (6) Highlights Lavender's incessant fear, the great weight of what the men carried, his death, and use of tranquilizers.

    Kiowa: "He tried not to think about Ted Lavender, but then he was thinking how fast it was, no drama, down and dead, and how it was hard to feel anthing except surprise.  It seemed unchristian.  He wished he could find some great sadness, or even anger, but the emotion wasn't there and he couldn't make it happen." (18)  Represents Kiowa's religious belief, the men's detachment from death, and the inability to move away from visions of death.

     Lt. Cross: "He was realistic about it.  There was that new hardness in his stomach.  He loved her but he hated her." (24) Expresses Jimmy's undieing love for Martha along with the realization of what his obsession has led to.

    Hope these get you off to a good start!

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    Posted by mrou03 on Sunday February 3, 2008 at 4:37 PM