The Things They Carried And The Red Convertible

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The consequences and effects of war, may be psychological, physical, or emotional. Can effect directly, for example, a solider or indirectly, for example, that soldier’s relatives and friends. “The Things They Carried” and “The Red Convertible” exam these matters. “The Things They Carried examines the psychological, physical, or emotional side of destruction that the Vietnam War bought. While “The Red Convertible” focuses on the psychological strain on soldiers they endure after the war as well as their families. These stories raise the questions is really war really necessary and can a solider back out of duty. Both stories are initiation stories or coming of age stories. These aspects are most effective when analyzing these works. The pieces may go deeper into the issues and questions at hand. The Centering on characterization, the point of view, symbolism or imagery, and significance of the title all help support the theme of these works and develop thoughts and opinions on the stories issues. In “The Things They Carried” the point of view manipulates the reader by one being third person limited. Two not being able to give whole details of events or other characters’ perspectives on events. On the other hand, the narrator does do a good job giving some insight on the thoughts of other characters. The narrator also gives great detail on events that occur. Even though the narrator gives the reader much insight in the piece, there should be more from other characters to get a total view and the whole story. Other characters may have more information on occurrences in the piece. With the insight it may also help give the reader more to think on about the story and the concerns within the story. For the reasons that it is thi... ... middle of paper ... ...and wounds soldiers but murdering their spirits. War hurts families and ruins lives. Both stories showed how boys became in terrible situations dealing with war. Both stories were insightful about the harsh reality of war. They give the reader a view of war. The pieces are filled with visuals and symbolism. I recommend to all readers. Has a true message in both works. Works Cited Erdich , Louise “The Red Convertible” 1984.Schalfel and Ridl 126 – 133. Schakel, Pete, and Jack Ridl. Eds. Approaching Literature Reading + Thinking + Writing. 3rd Ed. Boston: Bedford/ St Martin, 2011. Sprint. O Brian, Tim “The Things They Carried” 1986. Schakel. Ridl. 493- 506 Korb,Rena “The Things They Carried”. Short Stories for Students. Detriot: Gale, 2002. Literature Resource Center. Web. 2 Oct. 2014

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