What I most enjoyed about reading “The Things They Carried”, was the unique perspective provided by the narration. The Vietnam War that is usually shown to us in theater and literature is one of two way, the first being a portrayal of great American and heroes, and the second and more common of the two the travesty and cruelty of war. Here though the characters are neither the heroes nor the villains. Rather than having a strong disposition in any directions the characters seem to grow more num as the narration continues. For me their attitudes created a desire for me to feel sad for them but left me unable too. Jimmy Cross’ account makes it very clear that all perspective of the men under his command has been lost and they try to keep it that way by trying to “destroy the reality of death” that surrounds them.
I was also impressed by Tim O’Brien’s metaphorical use of all the items the soldiers carried. The items the characters in his story “The Things They Carried”, all served to show the emotional baggage each one was carrying around with him. The more each man carried the more it seemed he was afraid. Both weapons and personal effects were used by each of the soldiers to try and keep them selves from meeting with the harsh reality of the world they were living in, weapons keeping them from death and personal effects to place their minds somewhere else.
One thing I remain curious about is the real nature of Lieutenant Cross and Martha. Why does she continue to write to him after it their last date didn’t appear to end to well? Is she aware of the possible implications signing her letter’s “love”, could have? What was the nature of their relationship between single date and Jimmy being shipped off to war?
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I think that this is insightful: "Here though the characters are neither the heroes nor the villains. Rather than having a strong disposition in any directions the characters seem to grow more num as the narration continues."
ReplyDelete"For me their attitudes created a desire for me to feel sad for them but left me unable too."
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel you on this one. I think that when we see people endure hardship, it is expected that we feel compassion, but, at the same time, we expect them to show that they are in need. What happens when people pretend to be tough in the midst of their suffering, all for image's sake? We usually throw our hands up and tell them to have it their way (not necessarily verbally, but in some way or another, such as by not feeling for them - I'm not saying that you did this exactly; I'm merely observing a pattern I've seen of which your comment reminded me.) What should we do, though? Is it right for us to, probably for pride's sake, leave alone those who pose in order to reject our sympathy or help? How does God treat us? What if we were willing to get hurt by the one we were trying to help and willing to forgive that person afterwords? I am asking this of myeslf as well as others.
Alex,
ReplyDeleteI think the "toughness" that you are talking about many times is really fear of being hurt again or more. This guard that people put up is usually a result of not forgiving another person, bitterness, insecurity etc. I have found that the best way to really love this person is be consistent. It doesn't help to push your way through the guard but to just show yourself true and loyal and eventually the guard will be lowered little by little. Its not an easy ministry but its worth it because many times when the "tough" person takes the guard down they are the best friend a person could ask for and will love you like no one else.
Scott,
ReplyDeleteAnother great post. I love that you ended your post with questions, it really led me to consider the story further instead of coming the end and feeling as if I no longer have to think about it.