In the novel, the Things They Carried, O'Brien uses the concept of carrying as his overall metaphor. He describes physical items in which reflect the person that is carrying it. He also uses non physical things that the soldiers carry that have a heavy weight on them as well. Everyone carries things that affect them in some way. Some things I carry is myself, secrets, and books.
To start off with, I carry myself. I take care of myself, whether it's doing my hair, making sure I eat healthy, or exercising. Carrying myself not only includes physical traits but mental traits as well. When I am around people, I do not slump and act in a manner that is unattractive to people. I am usually friendly around others. This says a lot about my personality. I am generally a polite person. Secondly, I carry secrets. Everyone carries secrets. It doesn't have to be your own secrets, it could be a friend as well. I've had my fair share of secrets, and I've had a fair share told to me. What i will never do is speak of them.This shows my loyalty. Loyalty is another thing one can carry. It is rare, but there are loyal people. Lastly, I carry books. In school or even at home I carry books. I will be honest, I seldom read at home. It is often hard to find a book that seems pleasing to me. When I do find that book, I never want to put it down! The Things They Carried for example, was a very well written and interesting book. Maybe it only interest me because I am interested in war, but that defines my personality. I am very interested in the military. Books stand as a metaphor for my knowledge. I am not the brightest person, but I do appreciate learning new things. Ask me if I would like to learn something new, and my answer will be yes. These physical and non physical things reflect who I am. I am knowledgeable, independent, polite, and loyal.
Friday, August 22, 2014
The Lives of the Dead
13. What is the moral of the dead KIA's? Consider Mitchell Sanders' view.
A: Mitchell Sanders is stubborn to his decisions about morality. For example, when Kiowa dies, Mitchell Sanders blames Lieutenant Cross from placing them in the wrong area. Sanders also refuses and tries to talk Tim out of revenge on Jorgenson. Lastly, when Sanders tells Tim about abut what Rat Kiley had done to himself, he does not disagree to what he had done. Also, Sanders often comments on how others tell stories and is often trying to find the moral of them and events. The moral of the dead KIA's would be that they all had what was coming to them.
A: Mitchell Sanders is stubborn to his decisions about morality. For example, when Kiowa dies, Mitchell Sanders blames Lieutenant Cross from placing them in the wrong area. Sanders also refuses and tries to talk Tim out of revenge on Jorgenson. Lastly, when Sanders tells Tim about abut what Rat Kiley had done to himself, he does not disagree to what he had done. Also, Sanders often comments on how others tell stories and is often trying to find the moral of them and events. The moral of the dead KIA's would be that they all had what was coming to them.
Night Life
12. How did Rat Kiley get out of active duty? What is the author's purpose in including this story so late in the novel and right after the Ghost Soldiers?
A: Rat Kiley got out of active duty by shooting himself in the foot because he could not handle Vietnam anymore. This chapter shows how some of the soldiers acted up on cowardice and would rather take their own life instead of living the kill or be killed life of war.
A: Rat Kiley got out of active duty by shooting himself in the foot because he could not handle Vietnam anymore. This chapter shows how some of the soldiers acted up on cowardice and would rather take their own life instead of living the kill or be killed life of war.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
The Ghost of Soldiers
11. This is one of the only stories where the reader does not know the ending in advance. Why might O'Brien want this story to be particularly suspenseful?
A: O''Brien might want this story to be suspenseful so the reader can understand the meaning of the ending and realize that not every story can be easily predicted. He might want the readers to understand that even through negative events, there can be positive outcomes. Throughout the whole chapter, O'Brien had his heart set on getting revenge for the way Jorgenson treated him. At the end, the two become friends. Also, O'Brien may have wanted the story to remain suspenseful so the readers will stay interested.
A: O''Brien might want this story to be suspenseful so the reader can understand the meaning of the ending and realize that not every story can be easily predicted. He might want the readers to understand that even through negative events, there can be positive outcomes. Throughout the whole chapter, O'Brien had his heart set on getting revenge for the way Jorgenson treated him. At the end, the two become friends. Also, O'Brien may have wanted the story to remain suspenseful so the readers will stay interested.
Stockings
10. Consider the comparison the author makes between Dobbins and America. Does the author like America? Does he respect it?
A: Considering the comparison the author makes between Dobbins and America one infer that the Author does respect America. O'Brien describes the comparison between Dobbins and America saying Dobbins was big and strong, full of good intentions, slow of foot but always plodding along, always there when you need him, and a believer in the virtues of simplicity and directness and hard labor. In that description many positive things were said about Dobbins as well as America.
A: Considering the comparison the author makes between Dobbins and America one infer that the Author does respect America. O'Brien describes the comparison between Dobbins and America saying Dobbins was big and strong, full of good intentions, slow of foot but always plodding along, always there when you need him, and a believer in the virtues of simplicity and directness and hard labor. In that description many positive things were said about Dobbins as well as America.
Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong
9. What transforms Mary Ann Bell into a predatory killer? Does it matter that Mary Ann is a woman? How so? What does this chapter tell the reader about the nature of the Vietnam War?
A: What transforms Mary Ann Bell into a predatory killer is the war itself. Her curiosity and thirst for adventure slowly takes her over and she does not want to leave all this excitement. To the soldiers of the war, it matters that Mary Ann is a woman. Mark Fossie had only asked for Mary Ann Bell to come so he can feel comforted by her presence. He did not think about the affects the war would bestow up on her. This chapter tells the reader that the Vietnam War was something dangerous and could ultimately change someone.
A: What transforms Mary Ann Bell into a predatory killer is the war itself. Her curiosity and thirst for adventure slowly takes her over and she does not want to leave all this excitement. To the soldiers of the war, it matters that Mary Ann is a woman. Mark Fossie had only asked for Mary Ann Bell to come so he can feel comforted by her presence. He did not think about the affects the war would bestow up on her. This chapter tells the reader that the Vietnam War was something dangerous and could ultimately change someone.
The Dentist
8. Characterize Curt Lemon and why he behaves the way he does. How does this affect your reading of the previous chapter? What is the purpose of placing this chapter directly after How to Tell a True War Story?
A: Curt Lemon was a soldier who had the need to act brave in every situation. He valued pride and bravery. Curt Lemon acts this way because he is actually afraid but does not want to come off as weak and scared. This affects my reading of the previous chapter because I now know that Curt Lemon wasn't as brave as I had thought. I know now that having to show that you are brave is useless. This chapter shows that Curt Lemon was afraid of something so simple as going to the dentist rather than the dangers of playing with a grenade. This can highlight much of his immaturity.
A: Curt Lemon was a soldier who had the need to act brave in every situation. He valued pride and bravery. Curt Lemon acts this way because he is actually afraid but does not want to come off as weak and scared. This affects my reading of the previous chapter because I now know that Curt Lemon wasn't as brave as I had thought. I know now that having to show that you are brave is useless. This chapter shows that Curt Lemon was afraid of something so simple as going to the dentist rather than the dangers of playing with a grenade. This can highlight much of his immaturity.
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