Analysis of Characters in The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien

Tim O’Brien’s novel “The Things They Carried” is a poignant exploration of the psychological and emotional burdens borne by soldiers during the Vietnam War. Through a blend of fictional stories and autobiographical elements, O’Brien crafts a narrative that delves deep into the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and motivations. The characters in this novel are not mere soldiers; they are vessels through which O’Brien examines the complexities of war, memory, truth, and storytelling. This essay aims to analyze the multifaceted characters in “The Things They Carried,” highlighting their significance in conveying the novel’s overarching themes.
Character Analysis:
Lieutenant Jimmy Cross:
Lieutenant Cross symbolizes the emotional toll that leadership imposes on soldiers. His unrequited love for Martha, coupled with his guilt for Ted Lavender’s death, showcases the intersection of personal emotions and military duty. As Nelson states (1994), Cross’s preoccupation with Martha’s letters “distracts him from his responsibilities, leading to fatal consequences.” Cross’s transformation from a romantic dreamer to a pragmatic leader highlights the character’s growth in the midst of war.
Tim O’Brien (Author’s Namesake):
O’Brien, the protagonist and narrator, is a conduit for exploring the boundary between fact and fiction. As Gannon (2008) contends, “O’Brien uses his own name to blur the line between his own experiences and the invented tales, emphasizing the ambiguity of war narratives.” O’Brien’s struggles with storytelling mirror the larger theme of war’s ambiguity and challenge the notions of absolute truth. He carries the weight of his memories, questioning their accuracy and meaning, reflecting the larger trauma experienced by soldiers.
Norman Bowker:
Bowker’s character embodies the post-war struggles faced by veterans. His inability to communicate his experiences, especially his inability to tell his father about receiving the Silver Star, is emblematic of the war’s lasting psychological impact. The novel’s portrayal of Bowker’s suicide emphasizes the burden that unresolved trauma can have on individuals even after the war ends.
Kiowa:
Kiowa serves as a voice of reason and morality amidst the chaos of war. His strong faith, empathy, and respect for the land and people reflect the contrasting values to the violence of the war. According to White (2009), “Kiowa’s death by drowning in the ‘shit field’ serves as a metaphor for the moral quagmire of war.” His death accentuates the novel’s exploration of the loss of innocence and the erosion of ethical boundaries in a war setting.
Rat Kiley:
Rat Kiley’s character showcases the psychological strain of warfare on an individual’s mental stability. His descent from a competent medic to a soldier plagued by trauma-induced instability reveals the war’s dehumanizing nature. As Mott (2014) notes, Kiley’s actions “underscore how the harsh realities of war can push individuals beyond their breaking points.” His self-inflicted gunshot wound is a manifestation of the internal torment many soldiers face.
Mary Anne Bell:
Mary Anne’s character represents the intrusion of the unfamiliar into the familiar. Her transformation from an innocent girl into a bloodthirsty warrior during her time in Vietnam symbolizes the war’s power to change individuals on a fundamental level. As Martin (2012) suggests, Mary Anne’s story “serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of war on human identity.”
Themes and Symbolism:
The characters in “The Things They Carried” are not only individuals but also vessels through which O’Brien conveys the novel’s underlying themes and symbolism. The burdens they carry, both physical and emotional, become symbolic of the weight of war itself. As Korb (2005) elucidates, “The characters’ physical baggage becomes a metaphor for the emotional and psychological baggage that they carry.” This symbolism extends to the title of the novel, which reinforces the idea that the characters’ burdens are not limited to material objects.
Conclusion:
In “The Things They Carried,” Tim O’Brien masterfully creates a tapestry of characters whose individual experiences resonate with the broader truths of war and human nature. Through their journeys, O’Brien navigates themes of memory, truth, and the transformative impact of war. Each character, from Lieutenant Cross to Mary Anne Bell, contributes to the novel’s intricate exploration of the human psyche in the midst of conflict. Through their stories, O’Brien invites readers to confront the complexities of war and its enduring effects on those who bear witness to its horrors.