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Rhetorical Devices In The Things They Carried

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The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien uses many rhetorical devices and specific narrative elements to enhance the overall themes by using point of view, imagery, and metaphors.

Tim O’Brien uses his friend’s point of view to elaborate on the war experiences and the feelings of his fellow friends. On Page 62, O’Brien states, “Rat almost bawls writing it. He gets all teary telling about good times they had together and how her brother made the war almost fun.” This shows the emotions and feeling Rat was experiencing during the war. The reader gets a Better understanding of Rats feelings. O'Brien also states, “Then he did an odd thing. He leaned in and put his head against my shoulder and almost hugged me. Coming from Rat Riley, that was something new.” (181) With this information we get an understanding that his behavior is unusual for Rat Riley. We are able to understand the significance of the characters actions. Without …show more content…

On page 2 O'Brien states, “... Necessities or near-necessities wereP-38 can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wristwatches, dog tags, mosquito repellent, chewing gum, candy, cigarettes, slat tablets, packets of Kool-Aid...” This list shows the things they carried with them through Vietnam. This shows the reader how the little ideas in life are taken for granted and shows the reader the reality of war life. Imagery is also used when O'Brien states,” When Ted Lavender was shot in the head, the men talked about how they’d never seen him so mellow, how tranquil he was, how it wasn’t the bullet but the tranquilizers that blew his mind. (220) This imagery shows the effect of being shot in the head. We learn how the soldier looked and how he was so disturbed. Tim O'Brien's use of imagery made the story come to life and the reader is able to understand the significance of the horror of the

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