The Things They Carried - Chapter One: The Things They Carried

Key Characters and Themes

• First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross:

  • Carries letters from Martha, a girl he loves, though they are not love letters.
  • Desires Martha's love, often daydreams about her.
  • Feels immense guilt over Ted Lavender's death due to his distraction by Martha.

• Martha:

  • A junior at Mount Sebastian College, NJ.
  • Writes letters to Jimmy Cross, elusive on love.
  • An English major, with a poetic sensibility.

• Ted Lavender:

  • A soldier in Cross's platoon.
  • Carries tranquilizers due to fear.
  • Killed while returning from urination.

The Physical Burdens

• Soldiers carry necessary items like dog tags, candy, cigarettes, and water.
• Specific individuals carry personal items:
  • Henry Dobbins: Extra rations.
  • Dave Jensen: Hygiene items.
  • Mitchell Sanders: Condoms.
  • Norman Bowker: Diary.
  • Rat Kiley: Comic books.
  • Kiowa: New Testament and a distrust of the white man.
• Weapons and gear:
  • M16 rifles, M60 machine guns, and other heavy armaments.
  • Protective gear such as steel helmets and flak jackets.

Emotional and Psychological Burdens

• The soldiers carry emotional burdens such as fear, guilt, and longing.
• Jimmy Cross fantasizes about Martha, which distracts him from his duties.
• The soldiers also carry superstitions and good luck charms:
  • Cross carries a pebble from Martha.

Description of War

• The language reflects the weight and burden of the war:
  • Terms like "hump" refer to carrying heavy loads and emotional burdens.
  • Soldiers experience a blend of fear, routine, and despair.
• The death of Ted Lavender impacts the platoon significantly, highlighting the randomness and brutality of war.

Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’s Internal Conflict

• Feels responsible for Lavender's death due to his obsession with Martha.
• Decides to burn Martha's photographs and letters as a symbolic act.
• Resolves to focus on his duties as a leader and soldier, abandoning personal distractions.
• Struggles with the burden of leadership and the emotional weight of war.

Symbolism and Imagery

• The items carried symbolize the emotional and physical burdens of the soldiers.
• Martha represents unattainable love and distraction for Cross.
• The pebble from Martha symbolizes hope and connection, yet also distraction.

Conclusion

• Cross's decision to change his behavior reflects his realization of the seriousness of his responsibilities.
• The narrative explores the complex interplay of love, duty, and the horrors of war.