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The Things They Carried By Tim O Brien

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Often times we carry much burden on us, and doubt that we could have any purpose because of those burdens that we carry. In choosing three specific pieces of writing, the themes shared many similarities among them. Tim O’Brien’s, “The Things They Carried” is a short story about the very sentimental, physical and emotional possessions that the different soldiers carry within the story. McKay’s, “If We Must Die” speaks to the reader in such a way that conveys the idea of if they should die; it should be with honor and reason. Langston Hughes’, “I too, Sing America” gives no mention of death. However, he gives the similar impression that if he is going to live, regardless of his heritage, he is still going to live happily. These three pieces …show more content…

In “The Things They Carried,” we can emotionally relate thanks to the author, Tim O’Brien’s incredible tone, as well as his choice of words. O’Brien is a US veteran who fought in Vietnam. Unfortunately he was discharged after receiving a shrapnel wound in battle near My Lai. He did, however, receive a Purple Heart (Mandell 392). This story focuses on both the physical and emotional burdens that these particular soldiers can and do carry. There are many occasions in this short story where O’Brien was specific about what these men carried, physically. “To carry something was to “hump it”… Almost everyone humped photographs” (Mandell 394). The main character was Lieutenant Jimmy Cross. O’Brien mentioned that he carried photographs of his lover back home named Martha. He was not the only one who carried personal belongings. Carrying around these personal items gives us insight to what these men really were carrying on the inside. They burdened guns, and ammo and backpacks loaded with necessary material, well as …show more content…

“If we must die—oh let us nobly die” (line 5). This poem was written by Claude McKay in 1919, around the time Negros were gaining some of their independence. In an article, also written by McKay, we understand part of the struggle that people of color were going through during this time (McKay, 1919). This article gives us very specific cases in which the people of color come together in opposition to the white population, the KKK, as well as the president during that time (McKay, 1919). Between this article and the poem, the reader has a feeling of pity for what the people of color have had to deal with. We can understand the burdens the people of color may have felt through their struggle of their heritage during that time. However, they are still very positive, proving they are still worthy of being American in America. “Though far outnumbered, let us show us brave” (line 10). They were finally beginning to see that they could have purpose, just as anyone

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