The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

O’Brien captures their combined experiences in a series of vignettes, blurring the lines between happening-truth and story-truth along the way. For readers who have seen the complicated facets of war, O’Brien’s stories speak truth to them. For readers who have never experienced war, the stories may seem confusing; however, at the same time they are some of the most authentic pieces of writing they will ever come across. O’Brien speaks of strength, hope, despair, and coming to terms with choices that he and other men had to make. Some primary themes the novel tackles include guilt, the relationship between story-truth and happening-truth, the burdens we all carry, and acceptance. Perhaps the most tangible message is found in the men who returned, still carrying Vietnam with them: what do they do now?

Characters

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Literary Conflict

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Themes, Symbols, and Motifs

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TWIST Analysis

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Personal Connection

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Visual Vocabulary

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Essential Questions for The Things They Carried

1. What are some of the burdens people carry each day?
2. What is truth? How can it differ from person to person, and from experience to experience?
3. What is the purpose of storytelling?
4. How important is staying true to details when trying to relate an important experience, idea, or theme?
5. How does war change people?
6. How do people deal with unresolved guilt?
7. What are some ways that people use to come to accept their experiences?



Vignettes in Literature

The Things They Carried is told in a series of vignettes, or short stories, that provide a picture of a particular moment, story, emotion, or impression. Students will actually be quite familiar with vignettes if they watch TV. Many TV series have been making use of the vignette storytelling format throughout their seasons, including a very popular show about zombies. Have students collaborate together and come up with some examples of vignettes in TV series or movies to get them thinking about the format of vignettes and how it might be used in literature. Some common characteristics of a vignette include:

• Told from one, consistent point of view
• Short, impressionistic essay or story
• Evokes emotion
• Not limited to a typical plot structure
• A verbal sketch, rather than a full narrative

Wikihow.com has some great tools for having students practice writing their own vignettes.




PTSD and Veterans

Until recent years, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in soldiers returning from the battlefield was not something that was publicized or even widely-acknowledged by the military. According to an extensive study done by the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research, 22 veterans commit suicide per day. Of the veterans who suffer from PTSD, only 50% seek treatment. Estimates show that between 10% and 31% of returning soldiers suffer from PTSD. It’s important for students to understand that PTSD is playing a crucial role in the novel, from O’Brien’s own experiences and strategies for dealing with his guilt, to Norman Bowker’s suicide. Students should know the common causes of PTSD, and the symptoms. Perhaps they also know a veteran who suffers from PTSD and can discuss what they know, or interview the veteran if he or she is willing. Have students do some research on PTSD first. Some great websites for information include:




U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

DoSomething.org

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How Tos about The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

1

Engage students in exploring symbolism in The Things They Carried

Help students discover how physical objects in the novel represent emotional and psychological burdens. This deepens their understanding of literary devices and encourages personal connections to the text.

2

Select meaningful objects from the text for discussion

Choose items like letters, photographs, or weapons carried by characters. These physical things offer clear examples for analyzing symbolism and character development.

3

Facilitate a class brainstorm on possible symbolic meanings

Invite students to share what each object might represent. Encourage them to connect objects to emotions, memories, or personal struggles faced by the characters.

4

Guide students to create visual representations of symbolism

Ask students to draw, collage, or storyboard one object and its symbolic meaning. This creative activity helps students visualize abstract concepts in the novel.

5

Encourage students to write a short reflection connecting symbolism to their own lives

Have students describe an object they carry and what it means to them. This personal reflection builds empathy and connects literature to real-world experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

What is the main theme of The Things They Carried?

The main theme of The Things They Carried is the emotional and psychological burdens that soldiers carry during and after war, including guilt, trauma, and the struggle with truth versus storytelling.

How can teachers use The Things They Carried in classroom lessons?

Teachers can use The Things They Carried to discuss themes like war, PTSD, storytelling, and truth. Activities may include analyzing vignettes, exploring literary themes, and facilitating discussions or research on mental health and veterans.

What is a vignette in literature and how is it used in The Things They Carried?

A vignette is a short, impressionistic piece that evokes emotion and provides insight into a character or moment. The Things They Carried is told through vignettes, giving readers varied perspectives and emotional depth.

Why is PTSD important to understanding The Things They Carried?

PTSD is central to understanding the experiences of veterans in The Things They Carried. The novel explores its impact on soldiers, highlighting struggles with guilt, trauma, and the difficulties of returning to civilian life.

What are some engaging activities for teaching The Things They Carried?

Engaging activities include having students write their own vignettes, research PTSD in veterans, analyze literary themes, and compare storytelling formats. Collaborative projects and discussions can deepen understanding of the novel’s messages.