Summary: The Things They Carried is a riveting book in which Vietnam War veteran Tim O"Brien abstractly writes of his experiences in the war. However, unlike many other historical books that focus on war, O"Brien captures not only his fellow soldiers actions and outward feelings, but transgresses into a realm of private thoughts, fears and worries. The Things They Carried is ... emotions of men on the verge of death. Most war stories are indeed, as stated before, focused on the physical aspects of war, or, if they do venture into the emotional side, feature stories of heroism and bravery. Th...

• Word Count: 982
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... attempts to display a similar view of the war, and each succeeds exceptionally. Both stories show the horrors of war, and have anti war undertones which are easily detected. Movies and books can both bring a across a different kind of imagery, but their effectiveness depends on the individual who is being communicated with. If the person is very creative and imaginative, reading a book ... The Things They Carried is very real. Not only did O"Brien describe the carnage of the war physically, but he also did an excellent job of displaying the mental and emotional suffering that the soldie...

• Word Count: 1176
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... Things They Carried" was about things the soldiers carried. For example one soldier carried dope, another carried comic books, and another carried condoms. The short story tells about physical things that the soldiers carried during their service. But it actually symbolizes the emotional baggage carried by the soldiers when they were at war. They carry all the things that mean a great deal ... ...

• Word Count: 983
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... showed that not only did the soldiers have to carry out the equipment, weapons and other goods of necessity to live while being there, but they also showed the physical, emotional and awful side that it can be being a soldier. The story shows so many characteristics of those soldiers who are currently over in Iraq and other territories fighting for our ... . All of these stories have earned him several honors. "Going After Cacciato" earned him a National Award for fiction and "The Things They Carried" was named one of the top 10 books in 1990 by the New York Times (Tim O"Brien Biography,...

• Word Count: 939
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School