Things They Carried

3 Pages 807 Words

Things They Carried
In O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried,” repetition plays a significant role in portraying several aspects of the characters in the story. The author’s style of writing emphasizes and allows the reader to experience the reality and see the necessities of war, see the characters’ physical state, and the difference between characters during time of war.
The use of repetition not only compares but distinguishes the characters’ role in the story. During the time of war these soldiers are not only battling the elements of war but also have to deal with the physical and mental strain it causes. Even though they experience the same war, they have unique personal items that help them forge on through their own self battles. O’Brien’s style of writing makes sure that the readers are able to differentiate between each of the characters. Each soldier has an important list of items which they carry at all times. During war, necessities are common items such as “can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wrist watches, dog tags, mosquito repellant, chewing gum, candy, cigarettes, salt tablets…Military Payment Certificates, C rations, and two or three canteens of water” (O’Brien 1425). The author distinguishes each character through the list of items. In listing and telling the readers what each soldier carries throughout the war, O’Brien, individualizes each character and helps make that person more human. Some characters carry bibles while others carry condoms, each with their own significance. Each individual has something from their past that reminds them of home in the time of death. The use of repetition helps show each individual’s battle within their own self, allowing the reader to see the difference in each character.
The items they carry not only affect the soldiers’ minds but their bodies as well, “they bore the physical burden of the environment, and they picked up many things to...