Things They Carried Criticism

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Tim O’Brien’s, “The Things They Carried,” contains a wide range of views based on criticisms such as historical, romantic, Marxist, and biographical. By referencing World War II, Vietnam, and his love for Martha, O’Brien relates to these criticisms through his main character. The war setting of this story plays a large part in its analysis. Presenting Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, the main character, in World War II gives the reader knowledge relating to the issues of the time period. Jimmy’s display of affection for Martha shows that she is a powerful figure for Jimmy. He dreams of being with her even though she is unaware of his love for her. By applying the past and present to his story, O’Brien intertwines romanticism and history and introduces a sociological aspect as well by …show more content…

The author uses historical, romantic, biographical, and Marxist criticism to create a complex tale of love, regret, and leadership. His story of an Alpha company life before, during, and after the Vietnam War gives the readers a personal connection to each of the characters and the story’s setting. O’Brien’s goal is to tell people war stories of true value and to immerse the audience in the lives of the soldiers. He uses his personal experience of the war, focusing on real background information, giving him the opportunity to portray a detailed life of men on the battlefield. O’Brien’s ability to reflect these past experiences plays a large part in historical and biographical criticism. O’Brien not only tells stories of war, he relives the stories by letting the reader know exactly how personal and responsible one person can be while under the pressures and influences of his surroundings. He allows the audience to become submerged in the tales of love and sorrow without feeling the true regret and troubles that O’Brien may have battled while living the life of a

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